✨ you only get one chance...

[liltuna]

THE FIRST IMPRESSION MEME   You only get once chance to put your best foot forward. Screw that up, and you'll be forever seared in someone's mind as the person who had spinach in their teeth, or worse! ✨HOW TO PLAY 1. Drop a top-level! 2. If you have previous CR with someone, you'll have to let them know what your first-impression of them was. If this is your first time meeting, you'll be compelled to share what kind of vibe they give off. It's okay to be honest! Are they gross? Do they seem approachable? Do you find them incredibly hot?  3. Find out if your first impression was correct! Maybe that strange loner actually has a heart of gold? You'll never know unless you talk to them!

Comments

thoma | genshin impact | ota

[callouses]

[veardant]

You have a very kind face, I think.

[callouses]

Heh, thank you very much! You have a kind one as well, but... I think I'd also add mysterious, too. And your ears are magnificent! Do they help you stay cool during the hot summer months?

[veardant]

Mysterious?

[ that's a new one. ]

Well, thank you. As for my ears, they do help to dissipate warmth, but my fur is so dark that it absorbs plenty of heat in and of itself.. I don't tolerate hotter climes particularly well, I'm sorry to say.

[callouses]

Yes! You seem surprised? What are the words you usually hear?

[ his expression takes on a thoughtful shade. ]

Ah... I see. That would make it difficult. But I see you are from Sumeru, if I'm not mistaken! Do you live in the jungle part of the region?

[veardant]

I suppose most people have just called me nice.

[ though he supposes he can understand the 'mysterious' angle.. ]

And you'd be correct, I live in the Avidya Forest. It can get quite warm, but it's also very shady, so the sun doesn't bother me very much. You're from Inazuma, I take it?

[callouses]

Nice would also work, definitely.

[ so would cute, but Thoma won't risk potentially offending his new friend by saying it, just in case. ]

Yes, I am! [ with no small amount of pride, ] I'm Thoma, chief retainer for the Kamisato clan! Should you ever find yourself in Inazuma, I would be more than happy to be your guide.

[veardant]

[ wow just because he's fluffy doesn't mean he's cute!!

okay, he's totally cute, but please. ]

That sounds like quite an esteemed position indeed. The Kamisato Clan heads the Yashiro Commission, correct?

[callouses]

Ah, yes!

[ maybe he shouldn't be so surprised that the Kamisato clan is well-known, even beyond Inazuma's borders, but Thoma can't help the way he looks impressed. ]

You've... heard of us?

[veardant]

I have some small understanding of Inazuma's government. I took a current affairs elective at the Akademiya.

[ he arches a brow. ]

Is that so surprising?

[callouses]

Mm, not as surprising as it is flattering. We've been closed off from everyone for so long that it feels strange when other countries acknowledge we exist. Sort of unbalanced, you know?

But you must be very smart! What made you want to study at the Akademiya?

[veardant]

Well, with any hope that will change, now that the Sakoku Decree has been abolished. I have no idea when I'll have the time to spare for a vacation, but I'd love to see Inazuma someday.

[ his ears fold back briefly. ]

Ah, thank you, but my intelligence is nothing special. My parents are both researchers, so I was invested in my studies from a young age.

[callouses]

Oh, I hope you do! Let me know when you're coming and I'll gladly show you the best that Inazuma has to offer. Food, drinks, sights... even festivals, if your visit coincides at the right time? I definitely recommend visiting in the cooler months, unless you don't mind the humidity? That way, you can also take full advantage of our hot springs.

[ he notices the ear movement, and smiles apologetically. ]

I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend? You don't have to answer anything that makes you uncomfortable! And if you'd prefer, we can talk about something else. Although I suppose I should start with asking for your name, heh. If you don't mind, of course!

[kenage]

That's easy! I thought you were a best bro in the making!

[ Even Paimon had something to say about how quick they hit it off! ]

[callouses]

Itto, my man! It's not often that I say this, but I felt the same way! You have a way of spreading good cheer that's impossible to resist - like everything will be OK no matter what.

All your muscles aside, that has to be one of your unsung strengths.

[kenage]

Really? With all the people you meet? [ It actually surprises him a little bit that Thoma isn't out there making instant buds with pretty much everybody. Of course, he's not gonna linger on the thought too long when he's getting all these compliments! ] Aw, that's way nice of you bro. Seriously, I appreciate it! But I'm just doin' my job, y'know? I'd be a bad example for the kids around town if I didn't keep this vibe goin'!

[ But he still looks very proud in spite of his attempt at humility. ] Speaking of muscles, my dude, I got the feeling you have some crazy ones under all those layers. You n' me oughta do some training together sometime!

[callouses]

Yes, of course!

[ Itto is the most receptive person he's ever met - enthusiastic and energetic in a way that makes Thoma feel his sincerity, where it might be too much from anyone else. this, he suspects, is the reason why Itto and the Arataki gang never get in serious trouble, although many still misunderstand their intentions.

Itto isn't wrong anyway: in a rigid society like theirs, it's nice to have another sort of influence around!

his attempt to hide his smile at Itto's proud expression is sidelined when his own muscles somehow become part of the conversation--?? ]

O-oh, uh, not at all! Heh, I have just enough muscle mass to do proper housework but nothing as impressive as your physique! I guess you could say I'm more geared towards cardio than anything? But if you promise to take it easy on me, I'd be interested in learning how the great Arataki Itto trains.♪

[kenage]

[ Itto would probably give at least half the credit on that being receptive part to Thoma on account of all the good ideas the guy has. Sure, he's not afraid to get excited about stuff, but part of that involves there being stuff around to get excited about in the first place.

He catches on to Thoma trying not to smile too big there, which just gets him grinning on his behalf. No worries! It's his job to cover his bros when they need a buddy to spot them. Smiles can be included in that! ]

Dude, I know you're being modest here. Traveler told me all about that polearm you go waving around! Anybody that can use a weapon as good as they say you do is more than meets the eye, no doubt! [ A wave of his hand, like needing to take it easy on him is ridiculous. ] C'mon, you don't gotta look like me to be strong! Heck, guys like Gorou and Heizou are tiny, but look at how tough they are! You gotta have some confidence, my friend! [ Itto folds his arms and nods as if he needs to approve of his own statement. ]

me taking notes from mister miyagi

[callouses]

[ he winds up rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, although Itto's compliments clearly have a visible effect on him. the oni's got a point too, after all. he never wants to be on the receiving end of one of Heizou's punches!! ]

I suppose you're right. But it's not really the polearm practice as much as it is housework! I think my muscles began developing around the time I got tall enough to reach the ceiling with my duster. No one ever really stops to think about it, but when you clean, you need to use a lot of the same muscles, and you're going in rotations, almost like training!

[ hm...... based on his calculations, Itto probably doesn't have the cleanest place.... 🤔 ]

Do you want me to show you one day? It's more fun than you might think! We can treat it like training and finish it off with a good meal!

i'm imagining thoma with ripped arms from cleaning vs arataki "skipped arm day" itto & crying

[kenage]

[ Is it weird that Itto sorta does? Like, is it a "boys will be boys" kind of thing that he thinks he'll only be able to properly appreciate the power of Heziou's strength if he gets slammed in the gut personally, or is that just Itto being Itto...? ]

Housework can do all that? Seriously? [ Itto's leaning in, eyebrows raised like Thoma just told him some kind of wild secret. He narrows his eyes a little, looking him up and down as if staring long enough will give him a glimpse of how shredded he actually is and it'll all click into place. Mumbled to himself: ] Like training, huh...?

[ ... bro... 💀 ]

Ahhh, I dunno, bro, seems a little, uh... boring-ish? [ A hand gets waved around after he straightens back up. ] No offense, 'course, but I'm kinda a high action guy. Ya dig? Dunno if twirling around a feather duster is gonna get my blood pumping even if it does get me the gains I'm lookin' for. [ And yet he's clearly still thinking about it, eyes closed in thought and a hand to his chin. He's definitely waiting for Thoma to keep convincing him. (Only partially because the idea of going for food is really tempting.) ]

HAHAHA 😭 itto would still be cute!!! but why does itto make it SO EASY for thoma to bs things omg

[callouses]

[ it is absolutely Itto being Itto, BUT ALSO. if there's ANYONE who could survive Heizou's punch with genuine enthusiasm still left on the other side, it would be Itto for sure. and Thoma would be hovering around close by to make sure that he's alright, of course! ]

Seriously.

[ there's a playful glimmer that might dance in his eyes and his lips might be quirked up, but Thoma is really serious! he has to fight not to smile even wider when Itto looks him up and down, looking very much like a child at the window of an ice cream shop. that is to say, very endearingly concentrated. ]

No offense taken! You do have a point, after all. I can't say that housekeeping work is as fun as getting high action, but there's something really special about finishing your workout and also seeing that your space is super clean! It really helps you concentrate and that means your mind is even stronger than ever too, you know? Strength starts here, [ a tap to his temple ] after all!

Haven't you ever noticed that when you're really fired up for something, you accomplish your goal faster? Oh, and that's also what the food at the end is for! When you have a nice warm meal after that kind of workout, you just feel so accomplished! There's nothing quite like it!

it's just natural to wanna impress him that's why!!!

[kenage]

[ Thoma should probably stop being such a good friend, because him being the most reliable guy alive makes being even more reckless than usual sound like waaay too comfortable of a prospect for Itto...

He's slowly nodding to himself. He probably would have shut down if Thoma kept insisting on the fun of it, but one of the other many things he appreciates about his buddy here is that he's willing to level with you if you ask for it. It probably would be good if there was something he could do to work out his muscles and his mind, right? Itto's a pretty sharp guy, if he says so himself, but you don't stay that way by neglecting to take care of the biggest muscle of all!

(He does not know if the brain is a muscle or an organ.)

Plus, Granny Oni would probably appreciate it if he helped out at home a little more. Plus, if he's doing it with Thoma, isn't being with a pal enough fun on its own? ]

Hmmmmmm... [ There's a short second longer where he lingers, eyebrows furrowed as Itto's obviously trying to wind up anticipation for his decision. Then his eyes pop open, and he's laughing loudly. ] Alright, my man, you've convinced me! [ Congratulations to Thoma for earning a very firm slap on the back to show his enthusiasm! ] You really are amazing at this kind of stuff, huh? I don't know how people can ever disagree with ya. You're just like our bro Ayato like that, y'know? You guys should be putting your heads together more often with the kinda ideas you could come up with together! Oh, hey, speaking of our bro, you think he'd wanna join us? [ 💀💀💀!!! ]

this has to be it!! 🥲 the best yes man there is......

[callouses]

[ Thoma... will try, especially when Itto genuinely picks up on things that most people would take for granted, but only because he's worried about his friend's safety!! not because he doesn't believe in him 100%!

in terms of whether he's convinced Itto or not though, Thoma isn't banking on either outcome - which is why he winces when that very firm slap lands on his back, but just a little bit!! insignificant enough to immediately turn into a smile which then takes on a mild panicked edge at the mention of Ayato. ]

Oh, ah, him-?

[ why does that sound so awfully informal when though it's technically grammatically correct! Thoma is also the last person who would ever say anything mean about the Kamisato head, even if his words can be considered as painful truth, so he finds himself struggling to figure out a roundabout way to save everyone involved from Ayato's cleaning efforts. thankfully, Ayato does have an extremely busy schedule! ]

Ah, if you wanted to invite him, you might find yourself waiting forever! I always peek at his calendar to get a good idea of what his day will be like and I think he's going to be busy until next year, easy. Plus, when you do a deep clean training session, the last thing you wanna do is feel rushed, so it'd be hard to invite him out for just an hour or something like that, too. But I'll tell you what, maybe when we get a groove going, we can invite him over for a meal to show off all the hard work you've been putting in? I'll do the cooking!

not me taking forever to tag this back LMAOOooooo!!

[kenage]

[ Both that slight wince and the proceeding panic go so far over Itto's head that he actually starts smacking poor Thoma's back even harder. They did just have a discussion about how solid Thoma probably actually is, so Itto's totally sure he can take it just fine!

It's really entirely beyond Itto's comprehension that there could be something out there that Ayato isn't good at. He's never even thought about it, because his bro being the champion of everything is such a blunt truth to him that he's never had a reason to ponder it. If Thoma did ever have the nerve to say it, Itto would just think he was joking. ]

Ahh, c'mon, it can't be that bad! What kinda bro am if I can't be a little patient for a bud- [ WHAT. ] Next year?! [ This is one of the most horrifying things he's ever heard. So horrifying that he's grabbed Thoma by the shoulders to start urgently shaking him about. ] Thoma, what the heck are we doing cleaning?! We gotta help our bro! That's way too much work! Hasn't he ever heard of work one day and take three off?! [ 😭 He genuinely has no clue. ]

our other threads are SO INTENSE LMAO I don't blame u....

[callouses]

[ Thoma has always idly felt sorry for children's toys - subjected to rough play because kids never know any better, being spun, shaken, dropped - and now he fully understands and identifies with them, all thanks to Itto!

his oni friend is strong, as even through his casual gestures of affection, Thoma can feel heat blooming from where his back stings. he's ready and willing to wait it out until it's over, only to end up feeling like he's in the very center of an earthquake. and despite it all, he's still struggling to try and hide his amusement at Itto's endearing horror.

this is the proper reaction to an overworked schedule, isn't it?? ]

I-Itto, calm down! [ he reaches up with one hand to grasp one of those massive forearms (honestly, b u i l t) in an attempt to get Itto to stop shaking him. ] It's not ideal, but he's someone very important and as such, he has a lot of things to do every single day. If he doesn't, not only do they pile up but so do problems! And when problems go ignored, they only get bigger, you know?

But I promise, what would really help him is being a good friend, giving him more to smile about and letting him be himself. You can do that, right? Like with your beetle battles! That kind of competition lets him play and exercise a part of himself he usually has to keep locked away. That's way more than anything else we could do!