[A location shoot at a hot spring deep in the mountains: now there's a fresh and exciting idea! Granted, it's winter, so the air will be rather cold, and the location is secluded enough that there surely won't be many local shops and eateries to explore. But traveling is always exciting, and he loves a good hot springs trip!
... which makes him remember someone he hasn't seen in a while.
He'd talked about visiting an onsen together with Elan-kun. A vague, wishful plan with no date attached. A plan that hasn't been finalized or revisited since; although they exchanged contact information before parting ways outside the hotel, they haven't been messaging each other much.
Which is fine, really. Hiyori's only motive had been to have fun, and to help Elan-kun have fun, too. To give him a nice, normal date, followed by a nice, normal first time (though the spaceship bedroom kept that second thing from feeling completely normal). It was meant to be a heart-throbbing encounter that Elan-kun could look back on with fondness, smiling as he recalled his first steps into adulthood. If they met again afterwards, well, that would be lovely. But if they didn't, that's life, and Hiyori has his own busy life to lead. He just hoped that Elan-kun was relishing his freedom; that he'd spread his wings and fly, just like in the song Hiyori shared with him...
Anyway. Once he's en route to the location, he focuses on the upcoming trip and the upcoming job, chatting merrily with the rest of his unit at first, then whining about how bored he is as the ride starts to drag on. As they get close, however, he starts pressing his face up to the windows, admiring the surprisingly nice scenery. Turns out that being high up on a mountain is pretty cool!
The shoot doesn't start until later, so there's time to drop their things off, enjoy a scenic lunch, and explore the area. They start out exploring together, sans Ibara, who's already cooped up inside his laptop. But then, after a little while, Hiyori starts to wander off, ignoring his partner's nagging voice ("Ohii-san, don'tcha think you're wandering too far off~? You've got a habit of getting hopelessly lost.") Hiyori insisted he was fine, he just wanted to see what's around in that direction! Perhaps he'll make another amazing discovery, like when he found that spring!
But it's been about an hour since then. And, sure enough... he's lost!
There aren't any familiar landmarks. It's just endless trees and endless blue sky as far as the eye can see. Which is grand, but it's kind of cold out here and he's not sure how to get back. Plus his phone gets no signal outside the hotel. He tried sending a message, but it just didn't go through! If only there was some hiker around who could give directions, but alas, it's totally quiet.
Except then, he sees someone. Standing at the edge of the mountain, presumably taking in the view. A woman, or... a man with a short ponytail? He thinks it might be the second one, not that it matters. Actually, there's something sort of familiar-looking about the back of their head...
With his hands thrust deep into his pocket for warmth, he walks on over, approaching from behind.]
Excuse me ♪ I was wondering if you knew where we are right now! Or rather, where the nearest hotel might be.
[ Elan - Five - could have done a better job staying in touch. But it really wasn't in his personality. He had sent a note or two. Once or twice he'd even sent a photo of a vista. But mostly he'd kept to himself and worked on trying to see the world as best he could. That first time with Hiyori had been intensely interesting. A fond memory, if also a little strange. But other than that, their lives really didn't intersect that much. Hiyori was an idol and Five just wanted to vanish into the background.
Two very different desires.
He'd been hiking through this particular patch of mountains with everything he needed on his back, determined to explore and see if any of the beautiful mountain lakes or springs matched that picture he carried with him. It was personal, after all. Something he wanted to do before he could really move on entirely. That was his burden to bear.
He's paused for a break along the trail, peering out over the trees that run down into the valley, lost in his own thoughts when that very familiar voice pops into his head. There's no way-
He turns with a surprised blink. ]
Eh? Hiyori? What are you doing all the way out here?
[His arm, which he'd raised in a friendly wave, falls to his side.
He meets Elan's surprised blink with one of his own, jolting when the sound of his own name reaches his ears. Running into someone he knows—running into anyone he knows—in such a remote location wasn't something he expected at all. His brain can't even comprehend it at first!]
Elan-kun?
[He stares harder, as though trying to check: is this really Elan-kun? There's just no way! It's impossible! But his eyesight is perfect, just like everything else about him, so he knows his eyes can't be deceiving him!]
That should be my line! How on earth did you get here?
[He's not quite in an arms-crossed-and-snorting kind of mood yet. He's still shocked! Running into Elan-kun at a place they'd been to before, like the amusement park, would be one thing. Still a coincidence, but one thing. Running into Elan-kun in a place like this, though? He can't believe it!]
What does that mean? I have excellent reason to be here! I'm at a location shoot! It's much more surprising that Elan-kun is here!
[Although...
This place does offer a pretty nice view. Which would, in fact, explain why Elan-kun is here. Hiyori's eyes tear away from his face at last, glancing towards the scenery in front of them.]
Well, this is a good place for picture-taking, I suppose. You didn't follow me here, though, did you? I assume not, but popular idols like me can never be too careful.
[Ah, that cheeky smile and that laugh. It's been a while since he experienced those. But he might've missed them, somewhere deep down. In any case, it sounds like Elan-kun has his own reasons for being here. And if he was obsessed enough to stalk him, well, he probably would've messaged him more! So, Hiyori will just have to stop doubting him.
Though he doesn't apologize for the suggestion either. Instead he just smiles.]
I never said you can't go wherever you want! It just seems like an odd coincidence, that's all. Unless it's not a coincidence? Some might call this sort of thing "fate!" And we did talk about going to an onsen together... Is that where you're staying? That mountainside inn with a hot spring?
[It's not Hiyori who should change to suit the environment, it's the environment that should change to suit Hiyori! Also, a smack on the ass would just make him complain more, so Leona might want to rethink that one.
But now it's Hiyori's turn to interrupt his suitemate's attempt to enjoy the breakfast buffet. A certain ominous statement has him arching his brows, a shiver coursing down his spine.]
"Make you?"
[He echoes the words, unsure he wants to know what that entails. But he needs to know, because it helps to understand what he's up against. ]
You mean they've been threatening you all? "Do as I say, or I'll destroy your kingdom and massacre your family?"
[Does someone have an overactive imagination? Perhaps, but that's not why his mind jumped there. It's more that his canon is insane. The other idols have endured similar threats throughout the qualifiers, adding to his impression that the whole resort has "ES" stamped all over it!]
[ not sorry for his language. if it means adding further emphasis to the level of danger they're all facing, leona finally shows off his collarbone. he probably had ample time to point it out especially how it's not as prominent at this time, but the diamond shaped mark which is adorned with a crown does seem oddly... bright, against his darker complexion. ]
Ya see this? This tattoo or somethin' makes ya compliant. And I mean that. Mine me feel like I was pent up for months. Couldn't think straight at all.
[ no, he's not some crazy alkaloid fan. stan ra*bits ]
You're safe for now, but I can't say you will be forever. Doesn't matter who ya think ya are or where you're from. An' that's why I'm playin'. 'cause whatever choice I got, I'm gonna make the moves myself.
[ and that's why leona's smart. play by the rule set you're given. then when you know enough, you can push those boundaries. it's a slow play but a deliberate one. also speedrunning seems terribly inefficient. ]
[He cranes his neck forward, taking a good look at the mark. And here he thought it was just a fashion choice (albeit a somewhat questionable one). However, as it turns out, the tattoo is something that makes the wearer feel... er... "pent up," apparently? He's not sure why those two things would be correlated.
But it does raise an alarming question.]
... did they lug you into a tattoo parlor and hold you down in the chair? Or did you simply wake up like that?
[A white-gloved hand drifts towards his own throat, resting on the knot of his jabot. He woke up wearing an outfit he hated, which only fueled his earlier tantrum: a white suit with gold trim and a powder blue suit vest underneath, plus gloves and a wedding veil (the latter of which got tossed away and landed somewhere on the floor). They're not an exact match—there are minor details that were changed, and the quality of the fabric is much higher—but it's still all too eerily reminiscent of something else he wore.
His focus now, however, isn't on the clothes—it's on what might be hidden underneath them, etched into his skin somewhere.]
Woke up like that. But the mark didn't show up until later. Must be some kind of fancy... somethin' that makes it work like that.
[ there are more unsettling and sinister things at work, truth be told. and he really doesn't know how much more hiyori would want to hear about, especially with that kind of... growing curiosity? at least it's less of a snippy and downright annoying attitude and something that is closer to acceptance.
and while leona's not a mind reader, it really doesn't take that much effort to make a few good assumptions--- as high quality as the suit that his 'spouse' is wearing. ]
If you're curious, ya can find out for yourself. An' I can look at the places you can't easily see. Not fair that I haven't seen the rest of my husband while he's seen a lot of me.
[Yes, there are more unsettling things going on. All too many of them, really! But to someone like him, this "involuntary tattoo" business is plenty disturbing on its own. Even putting aside the alleged side effects, he's an idol. What's he supposed to do, cover it with make-up every time he wears a costume that bares his collarbone? Pay to have the thing removed?? He'd rather not spend any time in a tattoo parlor, frankly! And how dare someone leave a blemish on his beautiful, flawless skin?
He jumps up from his seat.]
No thanks! You'll just have to imagine how lovely I look. Or wait for me to visit in your dreams, since there's no way anything else would ever happen between us! ♪
[He speaks with an odd, spiteful sort of cheer, brushing past Leona to stride across the room. There's no entertaining that offer; for all he knows, the lion man still wants to eat him! But whether he wants to eat him or "eat him," Hiyori will pass either way!
So, it's off to the bathroom he goes. ... or, er, one of the bathrooms? It seems there's more than one, surprisingly. Honestly, this suite is just unreasonably huge! And he hasn't even explored what's up those golden staircases yet. But anyway, he's found a bathroom, which means it's time to slam the door shut, flip on the lights, and face the mirror.
Admiring his reflection is normally one of his favorite pastimes, but he is sorry to say there is nothing admirable about the sight of him with a frazzled face and a bedhead, dressed in that horrible outfit. With a surge of anger, he pulls off the lace-trimmed gloves and tosses them aside (one lands in the shower, the other on the floor) before examining the front and back of his hands. Nope, nothing there, though that's no great shock since it sounds like the neck is a more probable target. He tugs the jabot loose next, flinging that somewhere too, and pops open some buttons on the collar before leaning forward to get a good look at himself.
Nope. No crown, no diamond, nothing!
It comes as a relief, though only a slight one. First, there are other places to check. And second, well... didn't the lion man say something about the mark "not showing up until later"?
[It's at least another ten minutes before he emerges from the bath. The door bursts open abruptly and he walks out, still wearing the same outfit, but with the collar loose and several pieces missing. He flops down on the same chair, assuming a lofty tone of voice.]
Looks like I've escaped your fate. This calls for a celebration...♪
[He'll be grabbing a pastry now. Specifically one of the little lattice pastries with berry filling.]
[ unfortunately leona doesn't know how to remove tattoos and any attempt of using his magic ended up fizzling out even before he could get the spell out. otherwise he would've offered if only someone played a little more nice? a little less feisty and rude and sort of combative? except it's not the blatant kind--- to him, it's the kind that comes with believing that this person can get out of anything. or that they feel they have a real grip on the situation.
and that is, well. very funny to him.
he has no response for hiyori as he leaves for the bathroom, simply choosing to stare at all the various breakfast foods. none of them are appealing. he wishes there was at least SOMETHING with more... heft? something substantial that would sit in his stomach. a pastry won't do that. maybe five or six would. that salmon quiche though? it's looking a lot better than it did when hiyori tried to get him to eat it. so.
maybe.
when that green haired brat finally exits to no fanfare whatsoever, leona's already chewing on a piece of said egg and fish tart. that he has to turn to look the other direction, swallow as quickly as possible, and then turn back with a lopsided frown on his face. ]
For now. Guess ya can do whatever ya want until then.
[ back on the bed he goes, watching hiyori with genuine interest now. the fact that he doesn't know about the food and its potential surprises is... well. it could knock him down a peg. and if not now, it will later. that's something leona can be sure of. ]
[Hmmph, so he's willing to eat the quiche now, but wouldn't test it for poison earlier?
Well, whatever. He's given up! He can't starve! Plus, if his suspicions are correct, then the person slash entity behind all this isn't out to kill him.
That person would rather "kill" idols in other ways. Isn't that right?]
Back to bed already?
[He looks back at Leona with a frown (and some flecks of sugar on his lips).]
I know you're eager to dream of me, but I can't have you falling asleep just yet. First, tell me all the attempts to escape you've made. Obviously none of them worked, but I want to know what's already been tried so I don't waste my time trying it too!
[ what, did hiyori think he'd climb into his lap or sit in a chair adjacent or something like that? leona needs his space and comfort and if the overly curious idol isn't going to provide that, he'll make his own as usual. ]
Well, tryin' to get anythin' out of the employees 'round here just has 'em sayin' the same thing. To enjoy ourselves. They don't get aggressive 'bout it but they're pretty convinced the best thing we can do is be here.
[ and use what they have to offer. the luxuries of the resort are hard to ignore, even though leona would enjoy better amenities. ]
Magic doesn't work. 'm not exactly good with that in the first place, and I'm not gonna start blowin' things up. Apparently they got a place to put unruly people and it's even less comfortable than what I'm used to, so.
[ he clicks his tongue. the taste of quiche oddly makes him want more, but he'll ignore that for now. ]
So unless you got somethin' that I don't, I think you're stuck.
[Time passes. A lot of crazy (and thankfully-less-crazy) things happen.
Hiyori celebrates Christmas, teaming up with some fellow idols to sing to children in a hospital, and then Eden greets the new year together. They perform at SS, persevering in spite of difficulties (including an attempt to rig the competition). They perform for Valentine's Day as Adam and Eve, recording new videos and getting photoshoots done in their new outfits. Hiyori takes a role in a TV web series and gets to play a pipe-wielding delinquent. He reunites with the members of a former unit, performing one new song. And Eden even goes to America to participate in an overseas festival! ... though things sort of go awry when Nagisa gets kidnapped. Such is life.
Hiyori tells Elan about some of it. Not all of it (definitely not the kidnapping). But he shares highlights when he remembers to: behind-the-scenes photos, links to performance videos, pictures from the trip abroad. Because, after their last encounter, he doesn't want to fall out of touch. He still doesn't believe in fate, necessarily, but running into Elan again like that sort of sends a message, doesn't it? And now that Elan's told him the truth about his life, he feels closer to him.
Elan returns the messages, usually. He does get that apartment he told Hiyori about, and Hiyori congratulates him, promising he'll visit at some point. Just not right now. His schedule is hectic as always, laden with different jobs. But eventually...
A new job pops up: he ends up hired to film a travelogue! It turns out that Eve's impromptu travelogue from the SS qualifiers was so popular that people want to see more. And so he and Jun travel to different locations, sampling foods, visiting different sites, and chatting up the locals. Usually, they're together. But sometimes, when one of the members is busy, they go solo. This is one of those times.
It's a great stroke of luck, he thinks. Being in Elan's town for an overnight job. Alone, no less. He is staying at an inn and promoting the place as part of the travelogue for one night, anyway. But the next day after filming is a day off. What if he stays a second night?
That's the plan, and so far things seem to be going well. Filming is finished up, his unit knows he'll be out of town, there's no camera crew following him—all according to plan! Now it's just a matter of finding Elan-kun's apartment. Except there's just one issue there. Or rather, there are two issues.
1. He never told Elan he was in town (it was meant to be a surprise!)
2. He has no clue what Elan's address is. He just knows what town the apartment was in! That's it!
There's only one way to fix this: with a text message!]
~⋆｡˚✨Elan-kun! Oh, Elan-kun✨⋆˚｡~
Guess who's in your town for a job right now!
Though, actually, the job is over and I'm free to do whatever I want at this point! Which I guess means I'm ready for my apartment tour. Just let me know when you're free and I'll come on over 😊✨
[ Elan's been continuing his own quiet journey through life. And it is much quieter than before. He's no longer pretending to be someone, with all the good and bad that comes with it. He spends another month or two wandering and then finally decides to settle down. At first he works oddjobs and does part-time gig work, but he also works on some photography - he sells photos and publishes some of them online. Not quite enough to let him live off of it, but it's something. And it means he doesn't have to work retail all day, every day.
And he stays in touch.
Hiyori gets updates and even some of the photos he takes and complaints about customers (he at least has a good customer service voice and face) and life is... surprisingly average. Which isn't a bad thing. He's just being himself and that's just fine. He's heading into part of his weekend, reviewing some of the photos he's taken when he gets the text.
Hey, wait. ]
You're in town now?
Why didn't you warn me?
[ Sigh. Elan glances around the apartment - it's relatively neat, but it's definitely not spick and span. He frowns and then starts tapping a reply out. ]
You can make your way over whenever you want, but don't expect it to be picture perfect.
Why, because I wanted it to be a surprise, of course! 😳 The good kind of surprise! 🥰🎉
[More like the inconsiderate kind of surprise. He does have a rough idea of Elan's work schedule from their previous texts, and he did keep that in mind. But there was nothing to say Elan couldn't have had other plans today, in which case he should've just gone back to ES yesterday. He won't expect the other boy to drop everything for him.
But it looks like he doesn't need to, because the other boy's hesitancy turns out mainly to be about the state of his apartment. In other words, today does work! Hiyori smiles in triumph.]
Not to worry! As long as it's not a pigsty, that's perfectly alright.
Well, it's definitely a surprise. I suppose I'll have to feed you, too.
[ He might be playing his grumpiness up a little intentionally. He's already trying to figure out what he can do for food - maybe the corner store will have something? Or they can just do takeout. He'll figure it out. ]
Any preferences?
Here's the address.
And are you going to want to spend the night?
[ There's the address. And a question to go with it. ]
Well if that's what you want, I'll be sure to say "ah~" 💕
[That is not what Elan meant and he knows it. He's just being a tease.]
I guess it depends on what's around. I'd be interested in trying whatever Elan-kun considers the best place in town. Ah, and I don't require anything fancy, but I *would* prefer something other than cup noodles!
[He takes the address, plugging it into his phone's GPS before going back to the message. Thank goodness for technology or he'd be helpless in this unfamiliar area.]
And I guess that also depends. I don't mind staying at a hotel again. But do you have a spare futon? Or am I cordially invited to sleep in Elan-kun's bed?
As a friend, of course. I don't mean to imply any funny business.
[He's an idol and his phone could always be hacked or something, so. Gotta tack that disclaimer on there!]
[ The temptation to be That Guy and just drop something explicit on him is incredibly strong. Fortunately for all involved, Elan reigns in that part of him with a wistful sigh. He'll have time for that when they're not worrying about phones getting potentially hacked or misplaced.
Besides, he knows what it's like to live with the pressure of not giving anything away. ]
I can try and make something simple. It'll give me an excuse to use the kitchen.
[ There's a pause before he continues. ]
I've got a spare futon I can roll out. I'm living like a respectable member of society now and everything. Just let me know your ETA.
Your home cooking? Why, that sounds even better! Alright, now I'm really pumped up! I simply can't wait to eat Elan-kun's home-cooked meal and sleep in his spare futon 😊
[You know. In a strictly platonic capacity. As for the ETA, he tabs back to his maps app and looks at what that says.]
It says it's a 25-minute walk, which isn't too bad. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs a bit. So I guess I'll be seeing you in half an hour, assuming you're okay with the short notice. I can always browse some stores for a while first if you need more time to prepare your heart ❤️
Though I did already buy your housewarming gift. I have that with me right here!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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... which makes him remember someone he hasn't seen in a while.
He'd talked about visiting an onsen together with Elan-kun. A vague, wishful plan with no date attached. A plan that hasn't been finalized or revisited since; although they exchanged contact information before parting ways outside the hotel, they haven't been messaging each other much.
Which is fine, really. Hiyori's only motive had been to have fun, and to help Elan-kun have fun, too. To give him a nice, normal date, followed by a nice, normal first time (though the spaceship bedroom kept that second thing from feeling completely normal). It was meant to be a heart-throbbing encounter that Elan-kun could look back on with fondness, smiling as he recalled his first steps into adulthood. If they met again afterwards, well, that would be lovely. But if they didn't, that's life, and Hiyori has his own busy life to lead. He just hoped that Elan-kun was relishing his freedom; that he'd spread his wings and fly, just like in the song Hiyori shared with him...
Anyway. Once he's en route to the location, he focuses on the upcoming trip and the upcoming job, chatting merrily with the rest of his unit at first, then whining about how bored he is as the ride starts to drag on. As they get close, however, he starts pressing his face up to the windows, admiring the surprisingly nice scenery. Turns out that being high up on a mountain is pretty cool!
The shoot doesn't start until later, so there's time to drop their things off, enjoy a scenic lunch, and explore the area. They start out exploring together, sans Ibara, who's already cooped up inside his laptop. But then, after a little while, Hiyori starts to wander off, ignoring his partner's nagging voice ("Ohii-san, don'tcha think you're wandering too far off~? You've got a habit of getting hopelessly lost.") Hiyori insisted he was fine, he just wanted to see what's around in that direction! Perhaps he'll make another amazing discovery, like when he found that spring!
But it's been about an hour since then. And, sure enough... he's lost!
There aren't any familiar landmarks. It's just endless trees and endless blue sky as far as the eye can see. Which is grand, but it's kind of cold out here and he's not sure how to get back. Plus his phone gets no signal outside the hotel. He tried sending a message, but it just didn't go through! If only there was some hiker around who could give directions, but alas, it's totally quiet.
Except then, he sees someone. Standing at the edge of the mountain, presumably taking in the view. A woman, or... a man with a short ponytail? He thinks it might be the second one, not that it matters. Actually, there's something sort of familiar-looking about the back of their head...
With his hands thrust deep into his pocket for warmth, he walks on over, approaching from behind.]
Excuse me ♪ I was wondering if you knew where we are right now! Or rather, where the nearest hotel might be.
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Two very different desires.
He'd been hiking through this particular patch of mountains with everything he needed on his back, determined to explore and see if any of the beautiful mountain lakes or springs matched that picture he carried with him. It was personal, after all. Something he wanted to do before he could really move on entirely. That was his burden to bear.
He's paused for a break along the trail, peering out over the trees that run down into the valley, lost in his own thoughts when that very familiar voice pops into his head. There's no way-
He turns with a surprised blink. ]
Eh? Hiyori? What are you doing all the way out here?
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He meets Elan's surprised blink with one of his own, jolting when the sound of his own name reaches his ears. Running into someone he knows—running into anyone he knows—in such a remote location wasn't something he expected at all. His brain can't even comprehend it at first!]
Elan-kun?
[He stares harder, as though trying to check: is this really Elan-kun? There's just no way! It's impossible! But his eyesight is perfect, just like everything else about him, so he knows his eyes can't be deceiving him!]
That should be my line! How on earth did you get here?
[He wasn't stalking him.
... was he?]
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[ He folds his arms with a long stare in Hiyori's direction. He snorts after a moment. ]
This is a popular camping and hiking destination. Really, you're the one out of place.
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What does that mean? I have excellent reason to be here! I'm at a location shoot! It's much more surprising that Elan-kun is here!
[Although...
This place does offer a pretty nice view. Which would, in fact, explain why Elan-kun is here. Hiyori's eyes tear away from his face at last, glancing towards the scenery in front of them.]
Well, this is a good place for picture-taking, I suppose. You didn't follow me here, though, did you? I assume not, but popular idols like me can never be too careful.
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[ Elan scoffs. ]
Just because you guys are using the landscape for a background doesn't mean the rest of us peasants can't come and go as we please, you know.
[ He laughs - it's not as mean-spirited as it might have been aimed at someone else. ]
Give me a little credit, will you?
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Though he doesn't apologize for the suggestion either. Instead he just smiles.]
I never said you can't go wherever you want! It just seems like an odd coincidence, that's all. Unless it's not a coincidence? Some might call this sort of thing "fate!" And we did talk about going to an onsen together... Is that where you're staying? That mountainside inn with a hot spring?
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[ He shoves his hands into his pockets, adjusting a strap on his backpack. ]
You're a little off the beaten path, though. Isn't it like an hour in the other direction?
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Happy Christmas! Back at it again.
Merry Christmas! 🥳🎁🎄
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[It's not Hiyori who should change to suit the environment, it's the environment that should change to suit Hiyori! Also, a smack on the ass would just make him complain more, so Leona might want to rethink that one.
But now it's Hiyori's turn to interrupt his suitemate's attempt to enjoy the breakfast buffet. A certain ominous statement has him arching his brows, a shiver coursing down his spine.]
"Make you?"
[He echoes the words, unsure he wants to know what that entails. But he needs to know, because it helps to understand what he's up against. ]
You mean they've been threatening you all? "Do as I say, or I'll destroy your kingdom and massacre your family?"
[Does someone have an overactive imagination? Perhaps, but that's not why his mind jumped there. It's more that his canon is insane. The other idols have endured similar threats throughout the qualifiers, adding to his impression that the whole resort has "ES" stamped all over it!]
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[ not sorry for his language. if it means adding further emphasis to the level of danger they're all facing, leona finally shows off his collarbone. he probably had ample time to point it out especially how it's not as prominent at this time, but the diamond shaped mark which is adorned with a crown does seem oddly... bright, against his darker complexion. ]
Ya see this? This tattoo or somethin' makes ya compliant. And I mean that. Mine me feel like I was pent up for months. Couldn't think straight at all.
[ no, he's not some crazy alkaloid fan.
stan ra*bits]You're safe for now, but I can't say you will be forever. Doesn't matter who ya think ya are or where you're from. An' that's why I'm playin'. 'cause whatever choice I got, I'm gonna make the moves myself.
[ and that's why leona's smart. play by the rule set you're given. then when you know enough, you can push those boundaries. it's a slow play but a deliberate one. also speedrunning seems terribly inefficient. ]
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But it does raise an alarming question.]
... did they lug you into a tattoo parlor and hold you down in the chair? Or did you simply wake up like that?
[A white-gloved hand drifts towards his own throat, resting on the knot of his jabot. He woke up wearing an outfit he hated, which only fueled his earlier tantrum: a white suit with gold trim and a powder blue suit vest underneath, plus gloves and a wedding veil (the latter of which got tossed away and landed somewhere on the floor). They're not an exact match—there are minor details that were changed, and the quality of the fabric is much higher—but it's still all too eerily reminiscent of something else he wore.
His focus now, however, isn't on the clothes—it's on what might be hidden underneath them, etched into his skin somewhere.]
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[ there are more unsettling and sinister things at work, truth be told. and he really doesn't know how much more hiyori would want to hear about, especially with that kind of... growing curiosity? at least it's less of a snippy and downright annoying attitude and something that is closer to acceptance.
and while leona's not a mind reader, it really doesn't take that much effort to make a few good assumptions--- as high quality as the suit that his 'spouse' is wearing. ]
If you're curious, ya can find out for yourself. An' I can look at the places you can't easily see. Not fair that I haven't seen the rest of my husband while he's seen a lot of me.
[ smirks. ]
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He jumps up from his seat.]
No thanks! You'll just have to imagine how lovely I look. Or wait for me to visit in your dreams, since there's no way anything else would ever happen between us! ♪
[He speaks with an odd, spiteful sort of cheer, brushing past Leona to stride across the room. There's no entertaining that offer; for all he knows, the lion man still wants to eat him! But whether he wants to eat him or "eat him," Hiyori will pass either way!
So, it's off to the bathroom he goes. ... or, er, one of the bathrooms? It seems there's more than one, surprisingly. Honestly, this suite is just unreasonably huge! And he hasn't even explored what's up those golden staircases yet. But anyway, he's found a bathroom, which means it's time to slam the door shut, flip on the lights, and face the mirror.
Admiring his reflection is normally one of his favorite pastimes, but he is sorry to say there is nothing admirable about the sight of him with a frazzled face and a bedhead, dressed in that horrible outfit. With a surge of anger, he pulls off the lace-trimmed gloves and tosses them aside (one lands in the shower, the other on the floor) before examining the front and back of his hands. Nope, nothing there, though that's no great shock since it sounds like the neck is a more probable target. He tugs the jabot loose next, flinging that somewhere too, and pops open some buttons on the collar before leaning forward to get a good look at himself.
Nope. No crown, no diamond, nothing!
It comes as a relief, though only a slight one. First, there are other places to check. And second, well... didn't the lion man say something about the mark "not showing up until later"?
Ugh, he doesn't know what is going on...]
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Looks like I've escaped your fate. This calls for a celebration...♪
[He'll be grabbing a pastry now. Specifically one of the little lattice pastries with berry filling.]
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and that is, well. very funny to him.
he has no response for hiyori as he leaves for the bathroom, simply choosing to stare at all the various breakfast foods. none of them are appealing. he wishes there was at least SOMETHING with more... heft? something substantial that would sit in his stomach. a pastry won't do that. maybe five or six would. that salmon quiche though? it's looking a lot better than it did when hiyori tried to get him to eat it. so.
maybe.
when that green haired brat finally exits to no fanfare whatsoever, leona's already chewing on a piece of said egg and fish tart. that he has to turn to look the other direction, swallow as quickly as possible, and then turn back with a lopsided frown on his face. ]
For now. Guess ya can do whatever ya want until then.
[ back on the bed he goes, watching hiyori with genuine interest now. the fact that he doesn't know about the food and its potential surprises is... well. it could knock him down a peg. and if not now, it will later. that's something leona can be sure of. ]
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Well, whatever. He's given up! He can't starve! Plus, if his suspicions are correct, then the person slash entity behind all this isn't out to kill him.
That person would rather "kill" idols in other ways. Isn't that right?]
Back to bed already?
[He looks back at Leona with a frown (and some flecks of sugar on his lips).]
I know you're eager to dream of me, but I can't have you falling asleep just yet. First, tell me all the attempts to escape you've made. Obviously none of them worked, but I want to know what's already been tried so I don't waste my time trying it too!
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[ what, did hiyori think he'd climb into his lap or sit in a chair adjacent or something like that? leona needs his space and comfort and if the overly curious idol isn't going to provide that, he'll make his own as usual. ]
Well, tryin' to get anythin' out of the employees 'round here just has 'em sayin' the same thing. To enjoy ourselves. They don't get aggressive 'bout it but they're pretty convinced the best thing we can do is be here.
[ and use what they have to offer. the luxuries of the resort are hard to ignore, even though leona would enjoy better amenities. ]
Magic doesn't work. 'm not exactly good with that in the first place, and I'm not gonna start blowin' things up. Apparently they got a place to put unruly people and it's even less comfortable than what I'm used to, so.
[ he clicks his tongue. the taste of quiche oddly makes him want more, but he'll ignore that for now. ]
So unless you got somethin' that I don't, I think you're stuck.
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🎀
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Hiyori celebrates Christmas, teaming up with some fellow idols to sing to children in a hospital, and then Eden greets the new year together. They perform at SS, persevering in spite of difficulties (including an attempt to rig the competition). They perform for Valentine's Day as Adam and Eve, recording new videos and getting photoshoots done in their new outfits. Hiyori takes a role in a TV web series and gets to play a pipe-wielding delinquent. He reunites with the members of a former unit, performing one new song. And Eden even goes to America to participate in an overseas festival! ... though things sort of go awry when Nagisa gets kidnapped. Such is life.
Hiyori tells Elan about some of it. Not all of it (definitely not the kidnapping). But he shares highlights when he remembers to: behind-the-scenes photos, links to performance videos, pictures from the trip abroad. Because, after their last encounter, he doesn't want to fall out of touch. He still doesn't believe in fate, necessarily, but running into Elan again like that sort of sends a message, doesn't it? And now that Elan's told him the truth about his life, he feels closer to him.
Elan returns the messages, usually. He does get that apartment he told Hiyori about, and Hiyori congratulates him, promising he'll visit at some point. Just not right now. His schedule is hectic as always, laden with different jobs. But eventually...
A new job pops up: he ends up hired to film a travelogue! It turns out that Eve's impromptu travelogue from the SS qualifiers was so popular that people want to see more. And so he and Jun travel to different locations, sampling foods, visiting different sites, and chatting up the locals. Usually, they're together. But sometimes, when one of the members is busy, they go solo. This is one of those times.
It's a great stroke of luck, he thinks. Being in Elan's town for an overnight job. Alone, no less. He is staying at an inn and promoting the place as part of the travelogue for one night, anyway. But the next day after filming is a day off. What if he stays a second night?
That's the plan, and so far things seem to be going well. Filming is finished up, his unit knows he'll be out of town, there's no camera crew following him—all according to plan! Now it's just a matter of finding Elan-kun's apartment. Except there's just one issue there. Or rather, there are two issues.
1. He never told Elan he was in town (it was meant to be a surprise!)
2. He has no clue what Elan's address is. He just knows what town the apartment was in! That's it!
There's only one way to fix this: with a text message!]
~⋆｡˚✨Elan-kun! Oh, Elan-kun✨⋆˚｡~
Guess who's in your town for a job right now!
Though, actually, the job is over and I'm free to do whatever I want at this point! Which I guess means I'm ready for my apartment tour. Just let me know when you're free and I'll come on over 😊✨
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And he stays in touch.
Hiyori gets updates and even some of the photos he takes and complaints about customers (he at least has a good customer service voice and face) and life is... surprisingly average. Which isn't a bad thing. He's just being himself and that's just fine. He's heading into part of his weekend, reviewing some of the photos he's taken when he gets the text.
Hey, wait. ]
You're in town now?
Why didn't you warn me?
[ Sigh. Elan glances around the apartment - it's relatively neat, but it's definitely not spick and span. He frowns and then starts tapping a reply out. ]
You can make your way over whenever you want, but don't expect it to be picture perfect.
I guess you need the address right?
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[More like the inconsiderate kind of surprise. He does have a rough idea of Elan's work schedule from their previous texts, and he did keep that in mind. But there was nothing to say Elan couldn't have had other plans today, in which case he should've just gone back to ES yesterday. He won't expect the other boy to drop everything for him.
But it looks like he doesn't need to, because the other boy's hesitancy turns out mainly to be about the state of his apartment. In other words, today does work! Hiyori smiles in triumph.]
Not to worry! As long as it's not a pigsty, that's perfectly alright.
And yes, I will need that!
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[ He might be playing his grumpiness up a little intentionally. He's already trying to figure out what he can do for food - maybe the corner store will have something? Or they can just do takeout. He'll figure it out. ]
Any preferences?
Here's the address.
And are you going to want to spend the night?
[ There's the address. And a question to go with it. ]
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[That is not what Elan meant and he knows it. He's just being a tease.]
I guess it depends on what's around. I'd be interested in trying whatever Elan-kun considers the best place in town. Ah, and I don't require anything fancy, but I *would* prefer something other than cup noodles!
[He takes the address, plugging it into his phone's GPS before going back to the message. Thank goodness for technology or he'd be helpless in this unfamiliar area.]
And I guess that also depends. I don't mind staying at a hotel again. But do you have a spare futon? Or am I cordially invited to sleep in Elan-kun's bed?
As a friend, of course. I don't mean to imply any funny business.
[He's an idol and his phone could always be hacked or something, so. Gotta tack that disclaimer on there!]
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Besides, he knows what it's like to live with the pressure of not giving anything away. ]
I can try and make something simple. It'll give me an excuse to use the kitchen.
[ There's a pause before he continues. ]
I've got a spare futon I can roll out. I'm living like a respectable member of society now and everything. Just let me know your ETA.
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[You know. In a strictly platonic capacity. As for the ETA, he tabs back to his maps app and looks at what that says.]
It says it's a 25-minute walk, which isn't too bad. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs a bit. So I guess I'll be seeing you in half an hour, assuming you're okay with the short notice. I can always browse some stores for a while first if you need more time to prepare your heart ❤️
Though I did already buy your housewarming gift. I have that with me right here!
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I can't promise it will be fancy, but hopefully it'll be tasty.
[ Well, that solves that problem. Or at least gives him some time. ]
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sorry for the delay
no worries!
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