the beach episode (dated before the east mission)

[fallingsand]

There's a small slice of sandy beach between mountains and wasteland, where the South meets Central, only an inlet of ocean between them, and that is where Bruno has decided to set up camp.

Literally.

He only had a simple tent and supplies for two initially. Tatara had asked if he could join him on his little trip out and how could he say no? Unfortunately for him, Tatara may have decided to invite everyone else, too, so, welcome, everyone, to the beach episode and a chance to relax after a potentially rough week in the City of Rain.

The sand is warm and fine, the water isn't too chilly, and scrubby little palm trees and plant life dot the dunes. Sea birds are the most active wildlife out here, not counting whatever fish can be found dwelling in the depths of the inlet between South and Central or further out into the ocean. It's comfortable enough... unless you hate sand, that is! You don't hate sand, right?

Since Tatara's arrival, more than Bruno's humble setup can be found.

- There's food fit for a picnic and enough bottles of wine for the evening.

- In the evening, a (non-deadly) bonfire will be built and there'll be pillows to sit on for those who don't want to sit directly on the sand.

- A few colorful rough wool blankets laid out under umbrellas meant to provide shade.

- There's still only one sad-looking tent... However! Bruno's gone ahead and enchanted it so that, when one pushes the cloth flap aside and enters, they'll find a much more comfortable setup inside.

And, of course, anything the other wizards have decided to bring! Bruno wasn't expecting a party but now that it's here, he sure can't tell them not to have fun however they want.

Comments

[revengier]

[ You know what's character growth? Coming here of his own volition when Tatara invites him. He's as much of a prude here as he was in the baths, however, wearing a tank top to accompany his swim trunks.

During his time on the beach, Kurapika can be found spending most of the day sitting under one of the umbrellas and reading, which is the best thing to do at the beach.

He isn't reading forever, though. Kurapika also spends some time kicking a ball he's magicked up. His kicks aren't always successful, but that's because he just so happens to be blindfolded. Once he's gotten sick of that, he takes up the mantle of tending the bonfire. ]

umbrellas

[impacter]

[Hello fellow (apparent) prude.

Solomon isn't even bothering with swimwear and doesn't generally look like he wants to be here. But when he sees that Kurapika's also settling down to spend some more dedicated time away from the water, he'll at least shuffle his way over there. If he's speaking to someone, there's less of a likeliness for the more energetic of their number to try and pull him any closer.]

Engrossed in your studies at a time like this, or have you found something a little more entertaining to read?

[revengier]

[ He looks up from his book, but when he sees that it's Solomon, he closes it on his finger. ]

It depends on what you consider entertaining. I'm reading about the flora and fauna in Central.

[ Yeah. Pure nerd activities. ]

[impacter]

Out of curiosity, or necessity?

[A nerd............. hello young nerd. :)]

I used to enjoy reading and writing books about the ecology of the sea, but there's a difference between reading for the sake of the knowledge, and that of just finding a solution to a problem.

[revengier]

Curiosity, mostly.

[ Because Solomon is right, there's a big difference between searching for answers and happily stumbling upon them. ]

I haven't had much time to read in the last few years. I feel like I'm catching up on all the time I've missed doing it.

[impacter]

It's hard not to take advantage when life finally provides you the freedom. I'd say it's fine to make the most of it.

[Be free, small nerd.]

You're used to a more cautious existent, correct?

[revengier]

...In a way.

[ Is the mafia exactly a cautious sort of job? Perhaps it is, since he gets by on intimidating everyone who would cross him. ]

I have a lot more free time here than I've had with work in the last couple of years.

[impacter]

You do have a very no-nonsense demeanor about you. But if it's needed for its time, then there's not much getting around it.

Have you enjoyed it? Being free from that burden, even if it's only for a short while?

[Even if it's just under the weight of a totally different burden but shhhh.]

[revengier]

[ Has he? It's a loaded question, but a good one nevertheless. Sure, there's the impending end of the world, but that feels like something hazy and far off, something he doesn't have to worry about so much right now. ]

...I have, surprisingly. [ A pause. ] I expected to stay focused on learning magic so I could assist with the problems here and be on my way.

[ That hasn't happened. ]

[jokey]

A tank top? Really?

[It's better than a long tee, but come on, Kurapika. Show off some pasty white skin! Akira takes a break from grandpasitting to approach him (not menacing), a vial of sunscreen (menacing) in hand.]

Put the book down and let me get your back. A flimsy tank top's not gonna stop the sun from bleeding through.

[revengier]

[ Are his arms not enough!!! Admire the lean muscle on them like you would the curvature of a Victorian woman's ankle, Akira.

He narrows his eyes at the vial of sunscreen. ]

That sounds like an excuse more than anything.

[jokey]

Yeah? So what?

[Practically admitting it's an excuse is reason enough to let him do it, right? Reward him for being bad.]

It won't just be your eyes turning red if you don't at least put some on your shoulders. Don't be stubborn.

[revengier]

My arms and shoulders and that's it.

[ Unless...?

Kurapika sets his book down to the side, shifting around a bit so Akira has room on the blanket to sit. ]

The Kurta dressed conservatively, so I grew up never showing much skin at all.

[jokey]

That would explain it.

[It wouldn't kill Kurapika to roll up a pantleg and bare an ankle every now and then, you know.

Akira sits beside him, warming the vial between his palms.]

You can put the tank top back on when I'm done if it bothers you. I'm totally fine being the only guy who's seen you with your top off.

[Or at least shoved up enough that he can confirm Kurapika isn't some three-nippled freak, just a prude.]

[revengier]

[ Kurapika's gaze settles on Akira's hands, on the way they settle around the vial, before he sighs. ]

Are you that desperate to see me without a shirt?

[ Like, he very much expected this from Akira, but still. ]

[jokey]

No. I can pretty much imagine what you look like topless, or even naked, for that matter.

[Don't ask questions you'll regret hearing the answers to, Kurapika.]

[revengier]

[ He sticks his arm out with a huff. Get to work, buddy. ]

No, I doubt you can.

not here

[dyingtohealyou]

[Guys... he can hear you over here...

He's not looking but he is mentally judging Pika's taste, just a little. Akira's annoying, huh.]

kicking a ball. after the beach brawl ig

[leewards]

[That's some... interesting training Kurapika has devised for himself, but that's why Ithaqua has deemed him safe to approach. After all, he doesn't have the mask he brought to the beach. His face is bare... so the fact that someone is wearing a blindfold is enough for him to approach.

First, he makes his presence known, and from far enough away that he won't startle Kurapika.]

Mind an audience?

[revengier]

[ He tilts his head towards the sound of Ithaqua's voice. ]

If you don't mind getting hit, then not at all.

[ After all, he can't guarantee that he won't kick this ball right at Ithaqua by accident. He doesn't gear up to kick it again quiet yet, however. ]

You had quite the scuffle earlier.

[leewards]

Aa~aah. [He shouldn't grouse about the fact that practically everyone saw it. He shouldn't. He's controlling himself right now.]

The only thing damaged was my pride. [And privacy.] In any case...

I don't mind getting it, if you actually manage to hit me.

[Is that a challenge? Might be.]

[revengier]

As long as you're alright.

[ Though, he's sure Ithaqua isn't happy about his mask getting knocked off. He'd been wearing it all this time for a reason, after all.

But... a challenge, huh? Who would Kurapika be if he backed down from that? ]

In that case, I'll try right now.

[ He takes a few moments to think about where Ithaqua might be judging by the volume and positioning of his voice and moves so that he's likely facing him... and he aims for the ball, giving it a swift, practiced kick (17). ]

[leewards]

[Oh, seems like he's actually trying. You know what? Ithaqua respects that, so he decides he's going to put in the effort to dodge as well. But Kurapika was swift enough that he doesn't just hit Ithaqua with the ball, he even manages to nail the snowman over the head. (2)

He pauses and shakes himself head to toe.]

All right, that was good.

[revengier]

[ He can hear it hit Ithaqua, and he really can't help the satisfied smile on his lips. ]

I've been practicing, after all. It's a lot easier for me to determine where someone might be standing just by the sound of their voice.

[leewards]

Are you challenging me?

[He has his hands on his hips, as if Kurapika could see his motions.]