Tsuki knew that all stars eventually disappeared. Especially the most beautiful ones. The ones that couldn't help but leave a stellate mark upon your very heart, their butterfly wings kissing the tip of your nose. Sure, the sun was important--as Haru so haughtily reminded her. But there had to be more to existence than just the scorching heat. "Haru-chan, you are also a star." Tsuki chided. That was when the last week of August rolled around. Leaving the moon girl in summer's wake, still desperate to reach the blonde. Perched atop a brick building, facing toward a vast expanse of city light and skyscrapers. The star had remained there for quite a while, as if in contemplation. Dangling their feet from the rooftops, in a melancholic silence. The atmosphere holding a certain promise to it. "I've been watching you for the past moons and I've yet to see your face." Of course, the star still did not hear. "I'm sure your face is as lovely as your hair. All fair and golden. That's what stars like you are like, right? Although, come to think of it, I don't even know your name either. And you don't know mine, but you still manage to keep me company all throughout these hours." She continued, stroking the dewy rays that ebbed and flowed from her garment. Adjusting the folds so they would highlight the inky ceiling--just so. "Y'know, the lifespan of stars usually depends on their size. Smaller ones dance in the sky up to 10 million years, and my brother Haru-chan has been here for nearly...4.6 billion years. He tries to act like he's older and matured, but I'm actually older. By...a lot of years." Her lofty footsteps slowly materialized into moondust as she took a seat next to the star. "I hope you live for a long time."

People are afraid of beautiful things. Beautiful things must stay undefiled and perfect. Crown jewels mustn't get dusty, after all. They remain unmoving and are only aired out when necessary. Why else are museums so quiet? Art can only be observed from a distance-at arm's length. Various paintings, pieces, calligraphy, and pressed flowers securely placed in their respective frames, trapped behind glass and gold. Take one step too close and the deafening alarms will sound. You will be chastised for your insolence. Ayaka learns this far too late. What's worse is that she is the one trapped in the picture-perfect frame. She cannot escape and must shoulder her burdens behind closed doors. Those moments when the large crowd's awe turns to fear makes Ayaka feel like she is breaking inside. Ayaka thinks that she is just herself. (No, not really.) She is a princess and must act like it.

"I can't tell if your so-called Troupe is trouble or if you guys are in trouble." Machi spits, keeping her eyes trained on the dark-haired leader. She glares. "There is absolutely no way I'm going to join you." Laughing children kick the alleyway dust with their sandals while chasing a ball. Every once in a while, the ball hits a corner-resulting in handfuls of powdered gravel that stings the kids' eyes. The children fight; jabbing at each other's shoulders and bare ankles before finding a new spot to play. Chrollo takes a step forward, undeterred. "Are you sure about that?" Machi stops, making a deliberate show of dusting herself off before shutting the door. It is best to mind her own business. To not get involved with a group of vigilantes.. Depending on others is no way to survive, especially in Meteor City. Everyone is always out for themselves and there is no telling what these people's true intentions are. "Are you sure this is the right call, Boss?" Uvo asks, eyeing the thick window shutters as they are lowered. "She'll join us. It's only a matter of when."

"Just sit tight, Ms. Fischl. I'll go search for the makeup remover wipes. You'll be fine once we clean your face." He flew towards the open bathroom and shut the door, needing a moment to compose himself. Where were those damned wipes?! Meanwhile, Fischl squinted at her phone. A black and purple phone charm composed of heart beads and letter beads dangled on the side. As of now, it was 5:35. Her date was at 6! Things were going just swell. The burning sensation behind her eyes returned and this time she didn't wipe the tears. Trying to be beautiful was exhausting. Forget dates, forget shopping. She was going to marinate in a lavender bubble bath and eat slightly melted valberry sherbet while ruminating over her past life decisions. She heard a light tapping sound coming from the door. Had Bennett really come this early? Fischl groaned and stood up to answer it. Fischl slowly opened the door, hiding half of her face behind it. She cleared her throat. "Hello, how can I help-" "Fischl?!" . . . Or: Oz is in charge of Fischl's first date makeup, leading to mixed results. Luckily, Mona is there to save the day.

"If you let me study some of the flowers from your so-called establishment, I'll rate Wangsheng Florals 5 stars along with recommending it to all my patrons." It was a momentary lapse of judgment, Chongyun thought. His attempt at an eye-for-an-eye deal was probably mediocre at best. But risks would still remain risks. If he wanted any chance of making some sort of agreement with the brunette, he'd have to play the idiot. Her glittering eyes--were those stars in them? He risked looking at Ms. Hu for a moment longer, the apples of his cheeks hot with some sort of emotion he couldn't name. "Sweet deal! Though there seems to be just a little problem..." Based on the cool and well-spoken (for the most part) demeanor the blunette displayed...she knew. For all his talk and running, this tattoo parlor owner was still getting at something. And it definitely wasn't flowers. Fine then, she'd just have to play along. Push a few buttons here and there, and ahah! "Uh-huh?" "This little exchange is obviously benefitting me... way more than you." Hu Tao's voice was suspiciously sweet, like the honey clung to the spoon she used to stir her tea. Light and airy as the afternoon wind that tickled your nose and brought nothing but trouble. She couldn't resist. Cupping a hand over Chongyun's ear, the florist smirked. "Who says pretty boys don't want to get flowers from pretty girls?"