Charles Patricius

[Bloodedge]

The most exciting part of Hiruko's night had yet to come, but he noted step-by-step progress. Every moment was somehow better than the last, and only one of Sakura's orgasms fell out of such progression as of more recent developments. That was fine, he thought; another massive leap would be taken throughout the night. Besides, there was a different sort of development this time. That additional downward slam from Sakura caused a sudden, secondary burst Hiruko didn't expect to let loose. Its buildup and release was almost instantaneous after its predecessor. Accompanied by a grunt and a firm, claw-like grip on each on Sakura's ass and thigh on opposite sides, there was hardly a point of difference between the first and second expulsion ─ hardly even space between the two. "Whew!" Hiruko exclaiimed. "I'm gonna have to get used to moves like that."

What Hiruko experienced in the form of double ejaculation was but a sample compared to Kazuhiko's current experience. He flooded Chika's rear with one massive surge after another, as if each pump was enough to bring about the next expulsion. With all that happening now just as it'd happened in the Nexus, Kazu could only hope he'd expend enough energy to exit this strange phase. Well... perhaps that wasn't the case. With every burst, he felt his own essence flowing out of Chika's rectum, joining her juices that coated his groin. Maybe they would also be fused to the table at some point if things kept going this way. Whatever the case, he was sure to keep pumping no matter how many times mana vacated his body, never feeling different or weaker as a result. With Chika also rubbing their bodies together, Kazu began supporting himself with only his upper back while wrapping both arms around Chika's back to maintain their close proximity. Such would be the case until he, eventually, rolled them over to take the higher position. . .

[Apollymi]

Sakura and Hiruko would know bliss together and passively deep inside she was still working on that newest creation of hers. Of course, her present concentration was fully on Hiruko and the grips and technically double evacuation of his jewels into her person. That reddened face of hers remained as she exhaled as she relaxed in his lap. "I'm sure you'll get used to it... though I plan to try a few more things before I let you get too used to anything. Though I don't think this couch will survive that long~" Sakura flirted purposefully. That spillage within her left her with heightened senses and a serious buzz. She was leaning in, to peck his lips again her grip on the couch behind him finally loosening as she settled properly into his lap, seeming to take a moment or two simply to enjoy the closeness. "You don't mind, right Hirrun♥?~" she questioned in an almost teasing manner. They could continue like this and go until this side of the couch literally collapsed beneath them or they could change it up soon. Perhaps that was fine, she'd gotten all the images she'd needed in this position and they had a whole house to explore and use for the weekend.

At the same time, Chika's body was moving against Kazuhiko's unconsciously. Her brain was burning with all the mana he poured into her rear. And it continued to happen this way, even as her position on top of him was switched to the bottom of the table. Interesting, she'd not been like this since the start and it was bound to be interesting too. Closeness maintained and he was still being nice and only doing what she asked. It was interesting to receive this kind of treatment from a relative stranger but Chika couldn't say she wasn't enjoying herself. She was more than happy to share herself with this particular man and it was actually fun. On the bottom after the roll a little squeal escaped her, "Eee~" as she wiggled her hips against him shifting the orientation of her rear upward so it could be reached with a bit more ease.

[Bloodedge]

Sakura had faith that he'd adjust to that move, but there was of course part of Hiruko that didn't want to. He'd be prepared if he did, but could one really want to be so adjusted? That would end only in desensitization. Luckily, Sakura had enough plans in mind to prevent any early adjustments, according to her own words. The couch wouldn't survive, she claimed. Hiruko chuckled. "It's strong stuff. I'm surprised it lasted this long," he admitted. As for whether he minded the suggestion, Hiruko hardly considered it a question. Most of the excitement he found here came from Sakura's most natural reactions, so seeing her own active decisions at play could only further the experience. "It's your deal, Sakucchi. I'm just a player for now♥~" he declared, giving the lass whatever opening she needed as they encroached upon the next leg of a long journey.

Just the same, another phase was beginning in Yuuya's living room as Kazu loomed over his pink-haired partner of the evening. He was discovering something strange ─ mostly the fact that a more primal approach didn't have to feel so carnal. There was an unexpected and unexplained tenderness about this interaction between relative strangers, and that... was alright in Kazu's opinion. He'd take this life lesson and those discovered preferences into his future escapades, which now... probably involved quite a few additional people.

While two pairings adjusted to new partners and forged their own futures, another event was reaching its end. The musical artist known as Dreameater stood centerstage, now wielding a guitar that was not at all the same. What he used for the duration of a concert was something newer from the Kaiba corporation, but this one was the upgrade to Dreameater's classic 360 degree spinning neck model. It featured strings and frets for every type of guitar, allowing him to play everything in a single song with a bit of finesse. "I've got one extra that I haven't recorded for you guys. It's a little weird to end a show with, but I feel like we're not done dreaming together yet. Dreams don't always go the way you want. Sometimes when you are living your dreams and doing what you love, it can quickly turn into a nightmare you can’t wake up from. You sense this feeling of being trapped and not being able to find your way out. That's alright; you'll have a better one later. Let's share the darker side of things and meet again on brighter terms~" he announced just before the plucking of guitar strings began. In time, plucking became electric strumming joined by some of Dreameater's most somber lyrics to date.

"I'm sorry if I'm not myself♪
I've been going through it and it feels like hell♪
Living with these memories, they don't help♫
Looking back and it's been so long♪
You wouldn't even know it cause you been gone♪
I can feel it coming but I gotta move on♫"

[Apollymi]

The furniture within this place was indeed strong. Having sat within this place and now having her mind being fueled properly, Sakura fully understood why things were breaking and why someone like Hiruko had such problems in the first place. Still it wasn't an easy thing to talk about without someone fully understanding the 'spiritual' aspects of life. "It is..." she said about the survival. Whether it was the type of construction or the materials that made them withstand the blasts of unknown gravity from their bodies she couldn't know, and it was far from her primary concern. According to Hiruko, this was Sakura's time to deal and he was just a player. Something about that saying made several other moments in her currently short life make a great deal of sense. Said understanding flashed behind her eyes, "Sou ka, I understand now... " she said seemingly pleased by her understanding. "Bath? I still wanna get bent over the tub~" she said willing to move on from this particular set up. To something else. While that sat on one horizon, Kauzhiko were learning about passion and intimacy in the way that animals did. Such was good for both of them in different ways and Chika would be keeping the lesson for however long such a thing happened. Right now she was simply enjoying the roughness in combination with her own bodily sensations.

But the end of a certain concert was happening. As was always the case, the artist known as Dreameater was previewing some of his music to this crowd. And his final song was one such thing. The crowd was full of faces over 50,000 of them but Iino Miko remained watching. Sometime ago she'd lost the puffy and pouty anger she'd had and was now staring once again. The words that he spoke were indeed ones which seemed to resonate with the original reason she'd wanted to come by and see him. Hearing his song in Hiruko's car the previous night, had her wondering about the mental status of someone she'd considered a friend. And even with her own life in shambles she wanted to check in on him. And this rather somber sounding song, pulled at Miko's heart strings... 'Sou ka, I made the right choice today. That sounds so different from normal...' she said as she managed to process all aspects of the words and fully understood how the magic of them affected her being. 'This is a strange song to end a show on,' she thought. At the same time her friends surrounding her seemed just as stunned as she was by the nature of this new music, but they couldn't say it wasn't good.

[Bloodedge]

For whatever reason, Sakura expressed a new understanding after Hiruko's most recent declaration. Whatever she meant by that, however, was a complete unknown to Hiruko. "Oh? Understand what?" he wondered aloud. Whatever Sakura's understanding was, one thing was made clear: she still had intentions of being bent over a bathtub. Hiruko could certainly support such an idea. Actually, that sort of request was made of him quite frequently of late. "Well I wouldn't want to keep you from something you're interested in. Let's go," he said, thinking this room would soon be a bit too annoying soon enough anyway. With that in mind, Hiruko took hold of Sakura's leash once more, lifting her out of his lap. As to not waste a good leash, it seemed he fully intended to lead her by it toward the bathroom. The couch could survive... for now.

All the while, Dreameater was beginning his final performance of the night in a different way. The more active part of his show was seemingly over, lights dimming to color the smoke effects dark purple, all to be accentuated by small lightning effects as he strummed.

"I'm lucid and fighting my way out the dark♪
Trying to breathe overwhelmed by my thoughts♪
Facing myself but I don't know where to staaaaart~♫"

One pre-chorus in the bag, Dreameater began rotating his guitar neck to strum simultaneous bass and electric. The song he chose may have been a different sort to the norm, but his goal of extending his own vocal range was an unending one. If the crowd expected anything different, they would be in for a shock during the true chorus.

"I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF A NIGHTMARE~♪
AND IT'S NOT GOING AWAAAAY~♫
I'M BURIED UNDER THE BROKEN DREAMS, I DON'T KNOW WHO TO BLAAAME~♫
I'M IN A NEVER ENDING NIGHTMARE~♪
I KNOW I'M GOING INSAAAANE~♫
AND WHEN I'M UNDER THE CURTAIN CALL, THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO SAVE~♫
There's nothing left to save~♫"

[Apollymi]

Sakura's understanding was questioned. It wasn't unusual at all for Sakura to feel the need to explain herself, but it was at least refreshing for her to have someone else besides the older types take interest in what she had to say about her thought processes. "I had an issue understanding the nature of the enjoyment of things I wanted in these moments. It was especially difficult when I didn't yet have enough experience to have my own ideas yet. I didn't have enough time to question or process it fully before. Nor did I have the vocabulary to express my confusion," she explained in a general sense. "But your desires are a bit easier for me to understand and your demeanor makes it much easier for me to understand you even when you aren't saying as much. Context can then be extrapolated and applied as necessary. I like when things make sense," she clarified. With that out of the way, she'd be lifted out of Hiruko's lap by the man himself, and she'd be lead towards the bath by her collar and leash around her neck. Though, not without first picking up her phone lest she miss something specific. "Hai♥!~" Sakura chimed happy to be obliged. Of course, she'd never been anything but honest in her desires when it came to Hiruko so she'd continue to express herself with happiness.

At the same time a group of girls and 50,000 others were being treated to finale quite different from the norm. Miko watched the true dexterity and musical genius of Dreameater and heard the lyrics he'd written. Her own enhanced life experiences making it easier to hear the underlying sensation, that his songs often shared with others. 'I wonder if he hasn't been sleeping well?' she thought. Watching with true curiosity dancing across her face. Still, the song itself reached a great depth in her soul. She'd felt the way he was expressing before, the truth of the matter was, she'd even felt it quite recently. At the same time Kaguya was listening with her own understanding of words and wordplay within her head. This man often used the term dream and its various forms and the idea of a nightmare was interestingly contrasting to the general type of music he made. She'd only spoken to him for just a few moments but felt like there was quite a bit underlying the simple words of his songs.

[Bloodedge]

Just as she'd done before, Sakura went about answering a random curiosity with full detail. Hiruko's simple moment of wondering received quite the answer. Apparently, he was cause for her understanding of another domestic scenario she'd been involved with previously. Based on Hiruko's own acknowledgement of Sakura's ability, he assumed such a juvenile time in her sex life was some years beforehand. Regardless of time passed since the alleged incident, Hiruko supposed it was good to help. "I thought your vocabulary was plenty colorful, if you decide to use it. As for ideas, those seem to be flowing well enough too. Guess you've come a long way~" he said most casually along the path upstairs.

Dreameater's song would be of normal length, but abnormal delivery for one of these shows. At no point had he left the stage or interacted directly with the crowd thus far, and at no point did he intend to do so. No... now was not a time of interfacing with the crowd's dreams, but spreading his own among the masses. Dreameater could feel that many related to the message he delivered. Many fell silent; many others made small utterances of awe. In general though, there was hardly a sound to damper the guitar and Dreameater's voice.

"So many wrong turns led me to this♪
I had the world at my fingertips♫
See my reflection, it's making me sick♪
It's making me sick~♫

I'm lucid and fighting my way out the dark♪
Trying to breathe overwhelmed by my thoughts♪
FACING MYSELF, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO STAAAAART~♫"

[Apollymi]

Sakura explained the situation surrounding her understanding. Answering questioned posed with earnest curiosity was something she did without thinking very much about it. Though she'd gotten better about not oversharing information, she found herself relieved to receive nothing negative from Hiruko after he got his curiosity sated. It would be interesting for him to find out how recently such a juvenile problem existed for Sakura, but she was still learning and quite young beyond all other things. But she took his words to mean that she was progressing with the amount of proficiency that she wanted. "Sou ka, that's good information to have. I am glad to know I'm progressing well, arigatou, Hirrun♥!~" she thanked the man for his input and glanced at her phone. "What's champagne?" she asked aloud, seeing the text message from Kaguya and having no context for the word. Just the same she followed up to the bath without much thought about anything else.

Dreameater was reaching out to the crowd and finding... acceptance. Many could resonate with the words in his music and those currently in attendance were doing the same. Iino Miko was no stranger to feeling the sound of this lad's voice over all others things in the nearby area. In fact such had been the case since the very first time she'd met him in person. There was something mesmerising about the way he sounded, it stroked her soul and made her even more curious about topics like ASMR. Right now, she understood magic enough to know why he resonated with herself and likely her friends as well. She couldn't bring herself to look away from him nor change the main focus of herself, but she could hear the hitches in breaths belonging to Kaguya and Ai and even Shutara's surprised inhale with the words currently being sung. 'His is one of those too. One of those voices I missed most...' she thought. The understanding of nightmares was something she could understand. She was living a terrible life akin to a nightmare until she woke, a mere few days ago...

[Bloodedge]

Hiruko couldn't begin to understand why Sakura enjoyed information so much, nor could he consider it very distant. She'd have probably performed well in interrogation or something of the sort. Perhaps he'd eventually find out if she had any particular uses or interests that weren't necessarily... legal, so to speak. Ignoring all that for now, he decided to keep both eyes and ears open in future. First was the climb upstairs and the strangest question he'd heard thus far. Sakura asked what champagne was. Hiruko wondered if perhaps she'd misspoken, perhaps meaning to ask what it was like. "Never had it before? We'll get some later," he vowed.

Meanwhile...

"I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF A NIGHTMARE~♪
AND IT'S NOT GOING AWAAAAY~♫
I'M BURIED UNDER THE BROKEN DREAMS, I DON'T KNOW WHO TO BLAAAME~♫
I'M IN A NEVER ENDING NIGHTMARE~♪
I KNOW I'M GOING INSAAAANE~♫
AND WHEN I'M UNDER THE CURTAIN CALL, THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO SAVE~♫
There's nothing left to save~♫

... There's nothing left to save~♪"

Dreameater wasn't quite done yet. One bridge and one chorus remained, and it was nigh time for the final lull to occur before the show's end. The stadium lights became dimmer. Even the lightning effects sparking around the stage shrank inward and dimmed. Dreameater himself was the only true visual remaining, and barely so as the bridge began.

"How many times have I fallen apart?♪
Waking up wondering what are these scars?♪
To figure it out I'll go back to where it staaaaaaaarts~♫"

[Apollymi]

What Hiruko wouldn't realize for a while yet, was that Sakura's understanding of morality and legality were very different from what was considered the norms. Even his actual employment as an assassin wasn't something she saw a problem with in actuality since in the world she came from, imprisonment wasn't often an option. But, that was something for much later. For the time being, Sakura had received a text from Kaguya alerting her to champagne and when she asked about it, Hiruko claimed they would have some later. That gave her context that it was something consumable but not exactly what it was. 'Oh? Perhaps it's just another of those common sense things I will understand when I have it?' she thought about it. "Hai hai," she mused, willing to follow along to that bath she wanted to be bent over.

Meanwhile, there was a song full of loudness and then it drifted down. As the lighting concentrated on the stage the crowd seemed to be holding its breath. Dreameater's shows were always such spectacles that everyone in the could found themselves completely immersed in the experience. The same was likely said for the artist himself who strived to give the most to every performance. Iino Miko had a certain light of recognition dancing in her orbs, while Kaguya couldn't help but gawk openly. Ai was also staring fully in awe of the dexterity she'd witnessed along with the vocals that were rubbing against her soul. The amount of magic which existed in this man's music was beyond anything that should exist in this world, perhaps waking up in the next would relieve him of his issues? It would at least be a passing thought for all of those currently present who knew of the option. Until such a time as that though, everyone could only wait for that finale with bated breath holding on to every word uttered and every chord played.

[Bloodedge]

While debauchery took place and evolved in two separate locations, the final evolution of Dreameater's concert this night took place as well. He had second, third, and even fourth thoughts about this being the final song of the evening. In the end, he believed his audience would not leave downtrodden as a result of the message, but instead... that the majority would leave looking forward. Dreams were fleeting and not always pleasant, but another dream would always come. Such was the message he could leave them with. First, though... a bit of stretching was necessary one last time.

"I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF A NIGHTMAAARE~♪
AND IT'S NOT GOING AWAAAAA-AAAAY~♫
I'M BURIED UNDER THE BROKEN DREAMS, I DON'T KNOW WHO TO BLAAAME~♫
I'M IN A NEVER ENDING NIGHTMAAAAARE~♪
I KNOW I'M GOING INSAAAAAAAAAAANE~♫
AND WHEN I'M UNDER THE CUUUURTAIN CALL, THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO SAAAAVE~♫
There's nothing left to save~♫"

[Apollymi]

Sex was one thing, music was another. And right now, 50,000 people in a single place were enjoying music as if they were a single entity. They were enjoying well, understanding the nature of the Dreameater's nightmare. Of course, many had a nightmare or two in their lives, but this sort of living nightmare. This lucid dreaming which wasn't exactly what one wanted to experience, this was something truly understood by those whose lives weren't exactly what they appeared. Just the same, one Iino Miko could hear the absolute crazy changes in pitch in the voice of Dreameater. And more so than most, she was deeply attuned to those changes in frequency. His voice was one she knew, almost better than her own and hearing those changes in tone and melody were enjoyable but also, nerve wracking for reasons she likely couldn't explain to anyone.

But it wouldn't go on forever. No eventually it was over and all the crowd would be left cheering, changing and some moved even to tears. The artist knowna s Dreameater touched many hearts of various types every time he opened his mouth. And today, 50,000 would be showing their appreciation. Including a small quartet of young women rather close to the stage who were cheering as the song reached its final round. Even the girl known as Iino Miko couldn't do anything but express herself as his song found its conclusion.

[Bloodedge]

By the time his final song of the night reached its end, Dreameater plucked his guitar strings only a few more times. Soon enough, he was exhaling deeply as the lighting slowly became normal enough for audience members to find their paths around. Dreameater needed a few additional moments to catch his breath after so many consecutive performances, but... it was all over for the next week. A dream ended on the note of a nightmare, but that was also fleeting. "Gomen, minna. It's time to wake up now," he said as light returned and special effects faded away.

At long last, he was putting his guitar away. The audience was to be addressed once more, though not in the form of song. As cheers spread across the stadium, Dreameater raised both hands to wave and promote eventual calmness. "Thanks to all of you again for dreaming with me tonight. I wanna give special thanks to you three down front for hanging out and lending a hand. When you go out into the waking world, don't forget to keep dreaming. And maybe... come share them with me again someday. You guys were great! If anyone's going to EraCon next week, I'll be doing some smaller shows there before my next one here. Dream with me again soon!" And with that, Dreameater bid the crowd farewell before descending via the stage's center platform just as he'd arrived.

[Apollymi]

And with only a few more strums, the Dreameater concert had ended. It was quite the somber moment but the crowd was still excited. Even when they were told it was time to wake, many just felt a sense of satisfaction along with a tinge of emptiness which made them hunger for the next show. And soon enough they'd be addressed again. This time without music to accompany it. It would seem that Dreameater would be doing a series of smaller concerts leading up to his next appearance at this very venue. Moreover, it would be announced that he'd be appearing at EraCon. He also thanked the trio who'd helped him this evening, Kaguya smirked and Ai looked sheepish but both seemed amused, "He really doesn't have to thank us," claimed Ai and Miko could only shrug. "Iia, that's just the way he is. You'll probably understand a bit better in a few~" claimed Shutara who knew of all that. She also knew about the convention, after all, it was why she was in this place to begin with. It was almost lost news for Kaguya until she remembered the earlier debacle with Miko's parents which seemed so far away now. "Oh, Mi-chan is that the one your parents were talking about?" asked Kaguya. "Hai, I saw some posters up for it while I was out the first day... I assume we'll be attending at least a bit... given what everyone in the group is like," Miko mentioned. "Sign me up!~" Ai claimed. As they watched the lad man walk off stage. Shutara took a bit of a lead motioning towards the other girls after he walked off. "Come on, I'll take ya' back..." she offered the trio of girls. Kaguya and Ai began walking and so did Miko... while the crowd took in new news.

While a concert came to an end, another ending was happening. In a hospital room, a young brown haired woman was cuddled up with a young man and the end of a certain show was playing through its final moments as well. She'd gotten rather comfortable in her position and across the bed were several empty chip packets, pocky boxes and several finished cans of drinks as well. The snacking they'd done was quite intense but given they were watching a show called 'Campfire Cooking...' it could hardly be said that it wasn't worth what was happening. The girl finally sat up, careful of the lad beside her and grinned. "So, what did you think?~" she asked finally, wondering if their tastes were aligned enough for her to weasel her way into another visit for another showing.

[Bloodedge]

With the concert at its end and the audible crowd growing more silent by the moment, Dreameater gradually made his way backstage through that floor latch. A few discrete connectors for wires were removed along the way, and his guitar was handed off to one of many who assembled the stadium. In due time, he'd be in a large dressing room discarding his hooded jacket and clearing his throat repeatedly. He seemed quite elated after the show; every breath exhaled was one of relief. "Whew! Hell of a show tonight. Wonder how I'll top it? Maybe I'll try something more soprano next time. . ." he mused while sitting down in front of a line of vanity mirrors.

Meanwhile, a hospital room was becoming more silent... and then a bit louder. A certain grumbling occurred once one Ichinose Chizaru sat up, stemming from the stomach of Akira. It seemed all snacks and drinks had long since been consumed, yet still he looked at an empty bag of chips longingly. Well... there were a couple of distractions floating around, apart from the show that had now ended. He very well couldn't go around commenting on those, however; the show itself was a topic of discussion presently. "Ano... I think I ate more than a share of the snacks. They made everything look so appetizing! I mean, the show itself was cool, funny and wholesome, but... it makes me want so much food. And I'm stuck here with gross mystery jello!"