[OPEN]

[soul_mods]

Characters: OPEN
Location: Death City
Rating: PG13
Time: Feb 14 to 15
Description: Excalibur has hit the city again with his unique presents!


Valentine's in Death City has always been a bit special, what with the red skulls and hearts all around. This year seems to be even more special, unbeknownst to all of its residence.

A certain pantsless creature of great power has decided to use his magic for the greater good! No man, woman, little girl, alien, animal and robot shall go without a present this Valentine's day!

So, my dear, what do you do when you see chocolate in front of your door?

His legend began in the 12th century.


[ooc: Start your thread anywhere and indicate on the subject line what effect they ended up getting.
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[heavenly_earth]

[The day feels long already despite only being afternoon. He's taken to the outer city wall of his district to remove himself from the strange liveliness of the citizens and stares ahead into the expansive desert with little thought for his more immediate surroundings]

[spandexisyouth]

[There he is. The final Hyuuga. Gai is two for two thus far, just Neji to go. He contemplates how to do this. Obviously there's the throw-self-at-Neji-and-hope-to-not-be-stabbed tactic, but he's fond of his internal organs. Gai decides to go more casual this time, walking openly up to his student and plopping down next to him before leaning in and grabbing at him for a hug.]

Neji!

*3* Gai hugs

[heavenly_earth]

[For the third time that day, Neji finds himself pulled into extremely close contact, and his hands push at Gai in a vain effort to dislodge him, words muffled into the man's arm]

What is it with everyone today?

Yes! :D

[spandexisyouth]

[SCORE. ALL THREE. Gai's day is complete and it's barely started yet.]

It is the chocolate! It is doing things! And left by Excalibur, Spirit says.

[Reluctantly he let Neji go.]

And you are the third Hyuuga I have hugged today. I have hugged all of you!

[heavenly_earth]

[He sees no reason to doubt that as he's freed, and damns Shibusen's renegade Weapon for causing the city-wide chaos once again. It's nothing harmful, at least, but all the same]

I see.. Clare mentioned something to that effect earlier. Congratulations.

[spandexisyouth]

Kakashi has it too! Lee does not. And there are many others! It is a good thing to happen to the city for once! And you should eat one of them! Then you can enjoy hugging at last!

[heavenly_earth]

[Kakashi but not Lee. That's a strange reversal, if a mildly amusing one]

No, I'd rather not, thanks. [As it is, he'd fully realized after speaking with Clare that he couldn't lie, and had little inclination of mentioning the fact]

[spandexisyouth]

[Gai shook his head.]

Then if you will not indulge like that, I shall simply have to give you another hug so that you do not miss out too much on the day, hiding out here and not trying the chocolate!

[He opened his arms wide.]

Come to me, Neji, my beloved student! Embrace me!

[heavenly_earth]

[The logic is typical of Gai, but always a leap for Neji himself. He eyes the outspread arms with a sliver of apprehension and edges out of Gai's immediate range]

..I really don't think I'm missing anything. I've been subjected to enough of the festivities already.

[spandexisyouth]

[He takes one step forward.]

Please, my student? It would build team! Hugs are good!

[heavenly_earth]

[Cue a step to the side and crossed arms] No. You've already stolen one.

[spandexisyouth]

[Another step forward, with a huge beaming smile and his arms still spread wide open.]

It was not stealing! It was important! Like this! Hmmm? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

[heavenly_earth]

[A step back, ready launch himself backward should Gai show a sudden inclination to lunge for him]

..I refuse.

[spandexisyouth]

[Another step forward.]

Why? Do you not love me? I love you, Neji! Embrace me!

[heavenly_earth]

I do. [The words left him flushed, cursing his forced honesty in the face of direct questions] It's just not.. an appealing prospect.

[spandexisyouth]

[...That was not something Gai had expected to hear. Today was full of surprises.]

One more and I shall leave you alone for the rest of the day? Or I shall at least not hug you again? It is just that today I find I am craving hugs and so it will tide me over until I find someone else! And I enjoy hugs from precious people even more than other hugs!

[heavenly_earth]

[Neji has a vague suspicion that Gai is taking full advantage of the widespread chaos just to extract hugs from people, chocolate or no chocolate. But whether or not he is ultimately doesn't matter in the face of decision. Either give in now or be pursued in what could turn into a city-wide chase.

He sighs and stands still] Fine, get it over with.

[spandexisyouth]

[Best. Day. Ever. Grinning from ear to ear, Gai gives Neji a tight hug, patting his student on the upper back before parting.]

Thank you, my student! I appreciate it! And it was good to see you again as always! I will see you soon I am certain! And try smiling! It is better for your health.

[heavenly_earth]

[Neji grunts in reply, noncommittal as he's released and steps back again]

Don't forget your promise next time you do see me.

[spandexisyouth]

[Have the most innocent look ever.]

What promise would that be?

[heavenly_earth]

[Neji huffed, narrowing an almost accusing stare at his mentor] The one where you said you wouldn't bother me for another.

[spandexisyouth]

[Gai beams, eyes sparkling.]

My beloved student, I have never broken a promise to you and I never will.

[He reaches out and pats Neji's shoulder.]

Relax. And go find Hinata. I believe she wants to hug you too.

[heavenly_earth]

No need, she did that this morning.

[spandexisyouth]

[Gai laughed then, something that was on the rare side for someone who smiled so often.]

Good. Then you have been well hugged today, Neji, and I will see you later. I am off before I am tempted to go against my word!

[And then he's setting off, over the rooftops, feeling very proud of himself.]

[heavenly_earth]

[Relieved, Neji turns back toward the desert with a sigh and hopes Gai won't feel compelled to stop by and visit again later]