#Tsubaki Ejinn

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

#2 - Aberrant

"...Y' are weird."

It was a word Qatan had heard many times during his lifetime, uttered in different tones - but there was always a tint of something common between them. Weird had been something bad for them, something at odds with their own world-views and something that makes them uncomfortable. They couldn't relate, couldn't understand, and so he felt off to them, unnerving, aberrant. And so they would eagerly turn their back on him, the moment his services were no longer of use.

But this...this youth's tone had always been different. From him the word 'weird' was filled with mild disdain, yes, weariness towards his old companion's childish shenanigans - but there was no malice or discomfort in it. At times that voice was even filled with barely contained curiosity and awe, the oddness of Qatan at the same time utterly annoying, but also interesting.

And, on rare moments of weakness, that word was even filled with warmth, of affection gently stirring underneath the hard, prickly layers.

Unlike the others, his companion hadn't once turned his back on him - more than that, he had always desperately chased after him on those moments when he had been the one trying to leave the younger man behind. The weird old man had been accepted and clung onto, by someone who found his presence soothing rather than something worthy of shunning.

Perhaps they both were the aberrant ones.

(( @eggplant-xaela​ ))

[eggplant-xaela]

Sandpaper: What does your muse’s skin feel like? How about their hair? Is one part of their body a rougher texture than the other? Does your muse have any callouses?

Gonna take this one for Tsubaki! He’s very rough-skinned, his hands are fairly calloused. His scales are in a similar state with a texture that can be likened to sharkskin. It’d probably be an acquired taste for anyone in direct contact with them, for sure.

His hair doesn’t get much affection. It’s quite thick and it would be soft to the touch if he actually took care of it (read: wash your damn hair, lad) instead of just tying it back and deciding ‘yes, this is fine’.

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

#25 - Trust

@eggplant-xaela for borrowing their lizard again!

The night had fallen a couple of bells ago, but still Qatan wasn’t sleeping. Usually around this time, he would’ve taken a late-night walk in the woods, or sat down to meditate, but alas, his grouchy companion had decided otherwise. 

Not a moment after the sun had set, the old Xaela had been ushered to sleep, Tsubaki practically kicking him onto the bedroll before settling down to tend to the small campfire nearby. Perhaps the youth wanted some time in peace from the old man’s shenanigans, or perhaps he was worried about his health? For now, Qatan presumed it was both.

How long had they travelled together now? After their first meeting on that ship, and the fight, Qatan had been surprised to find Tsubaki stranded onto the beach, in desperate need of healing. He had not expected the loud, aggressive youth to take such a liking to him, either, even less so for him to forcefully tag himself along to the Xaela’s travels. 

And now, a few moons later, Tsubaki was still there. Despite his complaints, he always followed close behind, only disappearing to his own devices when the pair arrived to a village or a city. And, every single time, he would return. Qatan hadn’t waited for him at first, leaving to continue his wandering when it suited him, only for Tsubaki to catch him soon after and verbally assault him for leaving him behind. But...nowadays, he had noticed himself waiting for him to return.

Expecting him to.

Qatan let out a quiet breath, listening to the crackling of the campfire, and the quiet sizzling as Tsubaki poked on the coals. He slowly rolled around, eyes settling on the youth, lips curling onto a soft grin when, as expected, his gaze was soon met by the youth’s passing glance. Tsubaki’s expression had been softer than usual, but it quickly hardened back into a displeased scowl as he was caught stealing a glance.

“...Hey, Tsubaki. Do you trust me?”

The sudden question raised an annoyed snort and a huff, before the younger Au ra clicked his tongue.

“I have to, don’t I? Since I’m fucking stuck with y’.”

Tsubaki huffed and puffed his response, not noticing the distant stare of his companion.

“...You could just leave, you know?”

The sharp eyes quickly snapped to meet Qatan’s, slightly torn but clearly displeased.

“Want me t’ leave, huh? Well I ain’t fucking leaving! Stupid old man.”

The pink-haired head slowly turned away, the growling, disgruntled voice lowering to a murmur.

“I ain’t leavin’ yo---I ain’t leaving.”

The usually straight, confident form slumped slightly near the campfire, the sight melting Qatan’s expression to a gentle, warm, smile. As much as he wanted to deny it, he could feel the warm flutter grow inside his chest.

“...Yes, yes, I know. Goodnight, Tsubaki.”

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

#12 - Fingers Crossed

@eggplant-xaela for letting me borrow their lizard!

“No.”

“Yes!”

He should’ve known this was going to happen. From the strange, yet-another detour, to godsdamned Dravania no less. From the questions his purple-skinned companion asked from the locals around the Tailfeather. From the way the stupid old man’s eyes lit up as he wanted to take just a little walk.

And finally, the most obvious hint of them all, when the old Xaela finally turned around towards him with that stupid, bright smile.

“...I want to ride a wild chocobo!”

And so, there they were, huddled in the bushes, Tsubaki hissing out obscenities at his companion, trying to deter him from yet another stunt.

“No. Y’re not ridin’ a fucking wild chocobo!”

Tsubaki repeated, bringing his voice down to hoarse, snapping hisses, trying to keep the herd of wild, giant birds from noticing the two.

“Y’ have a godsdamned death wish, huh?! Ya dropped on th’ head as a babe or somethin’?! If ya get kicked by one of those things, y’ gotta worry about more than yer stupid ass that I’m gonna---”

“Tsubaki.”

The sudden, stern tone of voice made the younger man choke back the rest of his curses.

At least...until Qatan’s lips pursed into a clearly exaggerated pout, his steps slowly backing up towards the edge of the bushes, and the large, dangerously close chocobo beyond it.

“...That is not the way to talk to your elders. You’re being disrespectful, Tsubaki!”

The pout broke into another grin, and finally, a playful wink.

“...Fingers crossed, right---”

Even Qatan knew that was a mistake, his expression freezing as he could hear something snap.

“Y’ stupid old man! You fucking think I’m jus’ gonna sit here and wait, ya lil’ fuckin’ shi---”

Qatan did not get to ride a wild chocobo that day.

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

hypothetically, gimme those scaly, low hanging fruits

ULTIMATE SHIP MEME!

For Qatan and Tsubaki under the cut:

General:

Rate the Ship -  Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs | Yaaaaaaaaas

How long will they last? - The question is whether they’ll get there to begin with.

How quickly did/will they fall in love? - I feel this will be a slow buildup to feels, unless Tsubaki loses patience.

How was their first kiss? - We will see oh ho ho.

Wedding:

Sex:

Who is on top? - Most likely to be Tsubaki

Who is the one to instigate things? - Probably Tsubaki at first, then equal as things develop.

How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now | It depends on how high of a drive Tsubaki has.

How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head

How long do they normally last? - ...Why I imagine Tsubaki being a little fast on that front, at least at first.

Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? - Yes.

How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it.

How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.

Children:

Cooking:

Who does the most cooking? - Both, but I imagine Tsubaki might take over on that front.

Who is the most picky in their food choice? - I can’t see either of them being picky, despite Tsubaki grumping.

Who does the grocery shopping? - Tsubaki, or he kicks Qatan out to do the shopping.

How often do they bake desserts? - I’m not sure if either of them has enough of a sweet tooth to bake.

Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? - Qatan prefers the salad, and I imagine Tsubaki prefers the meat.

Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? - Surprisingly Tsubaki! I think Qatan would be too forgetful for that.

Who is more likely to suggest going out? - Qatan probably!

Who is more likely to burn the house down accidently while cooking? - ...I think Qatan for this as well, because he’s an airhead at times.

Chores:

Who cleans the room? - Tsubaki.

Who is really against chores? - Neither, but I imagine Qatan forgets doing them more.

Who cleans up after the pets? - Tsubaki.

Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? - Qatan.

Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? - Neither stresses, Tsubaki grumps.

Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? - Tsubaki finds all the hidden treasures.

Misc:

Who takes the longer showers/baths? - Qatan, because he tends to daydream.

Who takes the dog out for a walk? - Tsubaki (unless he kicks Qatan to do it)

How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? - I’m not sure either of them cares about that.

What are their goals for the relationship? - Probably for Tsubaki not to finally snap at the stupid old man.

Who is most likely to sleep till noon? - Qatan is an early riser so...Tsubaki?

Who plays the most pranks? - Definitely Qatan.

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

∞ One for VV and Otte and another ∞ for for that damn old blueberry!

Send me ∞ and my muse will tell you…

Otte about VV:

If I Think They Are: Ugly || Plain || Alright || Cute || Freaking Adorable || Pretty || Beautiful || Hot || Stunning

If I Would Go On A Date With Them: Not even if we were the last two one earth || No || Maybe || Eh….Sure || Yes || WILL YOU MARRY ME

If I Trust Them: Not At All || Not Really || Kind of || Yes || With My Life

If I Care About Them: Not At All || Not Really || Kind of || Yes || Deeply

If I Would Sleep With Them: Not Enough Alcohol in the World || No || Maybe if I were wasted || Maybe || Eh…Sure || Yes || TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF NOW!

My Comfort Level With Your Muse: Keep a Distance || Okay You Can Stand There, But Don’t Touch Me || Let’s Get Coffee and Talk || Let’s Cuddle || I Can Change In Front of You || Let’s Take a Bath Together

If I See You As: A Stranger || An Acquaintance (A Co-Worker) || A Friend || A Close Friend || My Best Friend || A Crush || The Love of My Life

Qatan about Tsubaki:

If I Think They Are: Ugly || Plain || Alright || Cute || Freaking Adorable || Pretty || Beautiful || Hot || Stunning

If I Would Go On A Date With Them: Not even if we were the last two one earth || No || Maybe || Eh….Sure || Yes || WILL YOU MARRY ME

If I Trust Them: Not At All || Not Really || Kind of || Yes || With My Life

If I Care About Them: Not At All || Not Really || Kind of || Yes || Deeply

If I Would Sleep With Them: Not Enough Alcohol in the World || No || Maybe if I were wasted || Maybe || Eh…Sure || Yes || TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF NOW!

My Comfort Level With Your Muse: Keep a Distance || Okay You Can Stand There, But Don’t Touch Me || Let’s Get Coffee and Talk || Let’s Cuddle || I Can Change In Front of You || Let’s Take a Bath Together

If I See You As: A Stranger || An Acquaintance || A Friend || A Close Friend || My Best Friend || A Crush || The Love of My Life

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

► Unzipping their clothes free and kissing their neck - For Qatan, from that angry jalapeño :>

Acts of Affection

Qatan should’ve realised by now that drinking with his travelling companion was always a mistake. Still, once again he was reminded by this fact as his back suddenly fell against the grass, the view of the forest changing to the sight of the younger Au ra looming over him, eyes half-lidded from the alcohol. 

“...Tsubaki?”

The old Xaela called out weakly, his already flushed face turning even more so as the male’s fingers traced clumsily over the edge of his yukata, almost scowling down at the opposing piece of cloth before trying to tug it away. Fortunately, or unfortunately perhaps, it didn’t take too much effort before Tsubaki had already managed to slip the clothing past the older man’s shoulder, exposing the purple skin and the scales speckled upon it to the chilly forest air. 

But, there he stopped, merely staring with an awkward, unfocused gaze, eyes tracing over Qatan’s collarbone, the trail of obsidian travelling across it, and finally stopping at the small dip at the base of the neck. The pink-haired youth murmured something, words heavily slurred as his hot, heavy breaths lingered between the pair, forming small puffs of mist.

“Tsu---”

Before Qatan managed to utter out another word, something to break the moment, the younger male leaned downwards, pale horns scraping and pressing against the purple skin as he snuggled his head against the neck, lips roughly pressing against it. The sudden sensation forced a hitched breath out of the old healer, an involuntary tremble travelling down his back at the mix of discomfort and pleasure. He felt Tsubaki’s arms snaking underneath his back, squeezing him closer, another soft murmur placed against the groove of his neck.

...Alas, soon after that grip loosened, the lips placing kisses moving away as the youth went limp, muttering replaced by quiet, drunken snoring.

And the Xaela was left there, wide awake, but relieved.

And, although the feeling was quickly denied, a twinge of disappointment.

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

💬 💬 💬 GIMME SOME HARSH TRUTHS

Send 💬 and my muse will say what they really think about yours.

“W’reqa. It’s an odd feeling not to see him around as often as I used to, with me no longer being neighbours with his partner. He’s always been more than a little annoying, to the point of me almost snapping at him, but...hmh, I suppose I miss him, a little. Like...an irritating brother, or something like that.”

“...Sometimes I wonder how he is doing. He was small, and weak, but always...very happy. Unlike me. I hope he has managed to survive. Out of all of my siblings, he felt most like a little brother. At least I think he did, there wasn’t many chances for me to think or feel back then. I...hope he hasn’t grown to hate me, because of what happened.”

“...Tsubaki, the little flower. It is all too obvious to see that he is attached to me, even when he seems to deny it himself. Why else would he insist on travelling with an old man like me? I truly hope he will never realise the things going on within his own heart. But...at the same time, I hope he does. It would be good for him to open up a little, to unravel those tiny knots that make him lash out so easily. It’s...a difficult situation. I wonder where this path will take us, and when our paths will separate once again.”

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

So I’ve been speed-doodling baby lizards.

The small angry belongs to @eggplant-xaela !

[eggplant-xaela]

Character Reference List!

Characters & info be here, for those who don’t know them all! Perhaps also a subtle hint to send me asks, or find some of that RP...?

Korin Relanah

An alchemist. Soft-spoken and polite, but somewhat bad at conversation once business is out of the way. Deals in both legal concoctions and those of a shadier nature, but only when he's convinced you're not going to sell him out. He tends to keep to himself and engross himself in his work for the vast majority of his day…And night…And perhaps the entirety of the week. Takes all-nighters to a new level of unreasonable- he's always tired.

He means well, but often his attempts to help can come across as pushy and unnecessary.

W’Reqa Tia

A wayward seeker separated from his clan, believing he’d lost them following the Calamity. Worryingly optimistic in the company of others to the point where he may seem a tad delusional. A bit dense on occasion, but he means well. Takes on odd jobs to keep himself fed and clothed, but sometimes the work leaves him in more dangerous situations than he, and most likely his partner prefers. Takes things as they come– content to let the tides push him through life, rather than forging his own path.

Z’Khana Ilzuun

A mixed blood keeper born to the Ziz tribe. He trained in Thaumaturgy for a time and while he has a talent for it he'd rather avoid using his skills for combat. Based in Limsa Lominsa, he waits tables and repairs the docks so he can afford to keep a roof over his head every night, but it’s not an ideal situation to be in.

Cooking is his actual passion, but he doesn’t often get the opportunity to share this.

Tsubaki Ejinn

An Ex-pirate who ended up stranded in Eorzea after a failed attack on a trading ship. He survived thanks to the intervention of a certain old man, but with the loss of his crew came the loss of his very purpose– he’s no idea what direction his life will go in next.

Very stubborn with his opinions, and very rarely understands the views of others. Easily riled with an explosive temper. Doesn't like his name.

Kroin Xura (Elder Kroin)

Beloved Elder of the Xura clan, an ex-Dotharl who grew dissatisfied with their ways. No one’s quite sure how old he is, but he doesn't act his age regardless. He’s definitely out of date and has more wrinkles than he can count, but that doesn’t seem to deter him - he fully intends to keep pushing onwards until he’s physically incapable of doing so.

Despite his intimidating appearance, he's quite friendly and approachable, with a childlike curiosity towards almost everything.

Deimos Xura

   Celeste’s older brother, born with patchy, mostly white scales. Sheltered due to his extremely weak constitution, Deimos grew dissatisfied with life and set out on his own. Despite his apparent lack of physical strength, he does have a knack for manipulating aether to heal people - but somewhere along the line it became more about 'speeding up the process' than actually easing anyone's pain.    Polite on the outside but on the inside– a shamelessly flirtatious man who takes great pleasure in probing at people’s insecurities.

   On occasion he’ll patch up his scales and pass for a Raen, calling himself 'Ibara'. When dealing with almost anyone in the east, this is usually the name present them with, an also the name he’d be known by to any of his Eastern and/or underworld contacts.

Vieaux Valintaire

A half-blooded duskwight, neglected and cast aside by a nobility-seeking mother who deemed her to be a mistake. Lacking in social skills and more than a little bit stiff, but she tries her best. Loyal to the people who earn it, though she isn't afraid to speak up against a decision she disagrees with.

Raeth Xura

 Originally the guardian of a group of travelers from his clan. He’s generally suspicious of everyone and everything he doesn’t know unless they offer him food. Much too stubborn to speak clearly, the man refers to himself, and everyone else, by name or an insulting description.

   Despite his usual attitude, he seems to have mellowed out somewhat as of late.

Sajin Xura

Another wanderer belonging to the Xura tribe, taken in to their ranks as a child and raised as one of their own. Her curiosity knows no bounds, her will is strong, and she keeps an optimistic outlook on life - all without saying a word.

She could, however, stand to show a little respect for her fellow man’s personal space.

Valtemont Vilauclaire 

A scoundrel lurking in the Shroud. If you encounter him by chance, it’s likely that the trouble leading him to you isn’t far behind, either. If the Wildwood folk of Gridania are going to label his kind as little more than thieves, poachers and bandits, then it would be rude not to live up to their expectations, wouldn’t it?

Kaede Akiudo (retired)

Kaede has gotten the most out of her years, but that doesn’t mean she’s done yet. A Kunoichi in the past, but suffered a near-crippling defeat that eventually led her to where she is now. Runs a flower shop in the Lavender Beds. Kind, caring, but just a little bit cheeky enough that she won't let those young folks get the better of her...Most of the time.

[eggplant-xaela]

How are Tsubaki's hearts for the old dorklizard? 8)

VISUAL ATTRACTIVENESS: 💗💗💗💗A displeased grunt. “…‘e’s alright. I guess.”

FRIENDSHIP LEVEL: 💗💗💗💗💗“Well we’re fuckin’ stuck together now so I guess we 'ave to get along, right? I ain’t leavin’ until I decide I wanna leave. So if we ain’t friends, well - tough shit. I don’t know.”

SEXUAL DESIRE: 💗💗💗💗“…If only t’ silence that damn mouth of his.“

ROMANTIC INTENT: 💗💗“I ain’t that attached to 'im. Pretty sure he don’t want that from me, either.” He huffs. That doesn’t seem entirely truthful.