[Leona-kun, Leona-kun! It's ✨me✨ again! I have something special to give you! If you want it, you'll just have to clear your schedule and meet me at Mating Season! ✨💕🤗🎵😘❤️🥰💕✨
That's all he says. The suggestion probably feels like it came out of the blue. But in reality, this is something he proposed a while ago. How long has it been since he offered Leona a private concert? Why, it feels like a lifetime has passed, and in a sense it has. But now is his final chance to deliver on that promise, so that's what he'll do.
He reserves a room with a stage, a sound system, and plenty of cushy seating. The room has mirrored walls, and the stage of course has a pole at the center, but he isn't bothered by either of those things; in fact, they're what he wants. His concept of a "performance" has expanded considerably since coming to GP, and so too has his repertoire. But Part One of his performance is just going to be regular idol stuff, because in the end, that's what he is: before he's a pole dancer or a nonspecific "performer," he's an idol. Some people here are heroes, some are immortal gods, some are mages and some are monsters, but he's an idol. That's who he is, and that's who he'll always be: the idol called Hiyori Tomoe.
He performs a medley of his songs, hooking his smartphone up to the speakers for instrumentals. The first one up is Sunlit Smile, a song Leona already heard ages ago, back when Hiyori and the other idols performed it on the beach. Next is Awakening Myth, and then he sings Trap for You, sings it solo and without any shame. He dials himself down for a gentle and heartfelt Deep Eclipse, the song he never got to perform with Eden at SS, and then he sings Psyche's Butterfly, telling Leona to pay special attention to this one since the song inspired the costume Leona saw him wear at the gala. And then he sings both his solos: the bubbly one, and the desperate ode to love.
That's what he chooses to close with: "Accept My Love." He's perfected his performance since he sang the song for Fuuta, and then Leo after that. He performs the song with passion, with enthusiasm, and yes, with love: love for the career he had back home, love for his fans, love for the life he led, and love for the people he's met here, one lion prince included. By the end, he's got one knee down on the seat between Leona's thighs, his head bowed over Leona's so he can sing those last lines while staring into his eyes. "Entrust yourself to me," he sings, close enough that Leona can feel his breath, his warmth.
And then the music stops and he draws back before Leona can grab him. But don't worry, he'll make himself available for manhandling soon.]
Phew...♪
[He brushes his sweaty bangs out of his eyes, then flops down in the seat next to Leona, taking a gulp from his water bottle.]
Well? What'd you think of Part One? I'll move onto the next part soon, but I'm curious! Did I make your heart race? ♪
[He's smiling, looking at Leona expectantly, his body relaxed and his voice carefree. If it seems like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders, well, there's a reason for that, but he won't get into it right now.]
[ leona kingscholar is rarely caught by surprise. being invited somewhere by hiyori isn't the thing that draws an eyebrow raise. it's not even the selection of songs, either! in fact it's nothing specific. it's just... the entire thing all together. it's the music and how it rings in his sensitive ears, words impossible to ignore. the choreography that feels like it somehow works when he's by himself. the way that he exudes a particular strength as an idol. an idol that leona might've thought pretty poorly of when they first met. that he already had a pretty big distaste towards that kind of fake, false lifestyle. he assumed much and came away with a lot of misdirected misinformation.
though he would say that... where hiyori ended up at the end of the last song does have him staring awkwardly, especially as he pulls away. he can't even get his hands out of his own lap to grab him, keep him close, take those lips and seal them with his own. he has no verbal response while the rest of him is paralyzed into allowing hiyori to conclude.
...
right. he should probably respond, huh? ]
You've got a Part Two?
[ blinking slowly with astonishment, looking at the collapsed idol next to him in that seat. no, he looks... free. the kind of exhausted that feels genuine. hard work, sweat, blood, tears. he's sure that hiyori's felt that way before.
but there is something else that draws his curiosity even further. is it relief? or maybe it's something else entirely. ]
[He takes another big gulp of water. He looks exhilarated, flush with effort but happy about it, just as he would after a successful performance back home. And he's taking this just as seriously as one: because he doesn't cut corners as an idol, because he promised Leona a while ago, and because this just may be his last performance here. If not, then it'll be one of the last ones he gives.
But he doesn't want to get into all that "goodbye" stuff yet, so for now he just flashes Leona a cheeky smile.]
Of course! Try to keep up, will you?
[He caps the bottle and sets it aside, then hops out of his seat.]
If you're too speechless to give any feedback, then it's onto the next part! Hold this, will you?
[He then proceeds to take off his blazer and fling it onto Leona's lap. He's wearing a fancy embroidered sheer tank top underneath, something Weiss pointed out to him when they went shopping together ages ago. He didn't have enough chips to buy much at the time, but he went back and bought it later. He spends a lot of time browsing the Nest, and he's accumulated a lot of nice clothes. He'd like to show some of them off one last time before he follows in Jun's footsteps.]
You'll never guess who was giving me dance pointers. To give you a hint, it's someone we both know! I was a little hesitant about this type of dance at first, but he helped open my mind to it.
[While chatting away, he reaches for the waistband of his tight black pants. And then... casually pops open the button? Hmm.]
[ what kind of feedback could he give that didn't involve giving into the voice that also screams to cause some trouble? the blazer gives him some cover as he takes it and... quietly tries to fold it neatly so that he can place it aside. are there probably more of them in one of the resort's shops? yeah. doesn't mean he should let it go to waste. ]
Dance pointers... dunno. Can't think of anyone who'd be willin' to teach you anythin' like this.
[ guessing games aren't ones he likes to participate in. but if it's someone they both know, it should probably cut down the possible names to a pretty small list. ]
But whoever did looks like he did a pretty good job.
[ those eyes follow hiyori's hands, his fingers, where his pants... the button? it's open?? he's really getting this kind of dance now. if there weren't beads of sweat on the beastman's brow before, there are now. ]
[He pauses deliberately, letting the ~mystery~ linger for a moment, while he draaaags the zipper of his pants down just as casually as he popped open the button.]
It was Vil-kun! We ran into each other at House Finch, and we got to talking about dance. He kindly gave me some pointers, and he told me they had lessons in this sort of thing at Ugly Duckling, so I signed up for some classes. And now, I have an even bigger repertoire.
[He wriggles out of his pants while he talks, bending over shamelessly once they're down his thighs, before finally stepping out of them and tossing them aside too. He's wearing short shorts underneath, shimmery and red to match his top. And what's he wearing underneath the shorts, you ask?
That's a secret! For now, anyway. He gets back up on the stage, standing in front of the pole with his hands on his hips, and smiles mischievously at his audience of one.]
[His days here are numbered, not that he's said so yet.
He will say so eventually. He's not planning to keep secrets, least of all from Loki. But there's so much else he wants to do, apart from just saying goodbye and having bittersweet discussions. He wants to spend his last days with the people he's grown to care about. To have fun, make memories, and show each of them how much they mean to him. He can't control how he's remembered, but if possible, he wants to be remembered as someone who always smiled. And he wants his last memory to be of their smiling faces, too. So he can exit the resort with no regrets.
As far as Loki is concerned, he doesn't have many of those. But he does have a recent one: their first time together. He doesn't regret that it happened, but he does regret how it went down, which is why he's intent on doing things differently. Without the influence of any drug, he wants to give himself to Loki. Not as a quick hook-up in a Mating Season pod, but as something special and intimate.
So, he invites himself over to Loki's suite. I have something important I should mention, but first I want to spend quality time together! Think you can clear your schedule? That's how he asks, knowing full well the answer will be yes. Loki's always been sweet on him. And even though he already has a partner, whom he's decided to chase to the ends of the Earth, Hiyori is pretty sweet on Loki, too.]
I love what you've done with the place. It's like an enchanted forest! ♪
[He's all smiles as they pass through Loki's gigantic King suite, Hiyori holding tightly onto his arm. He glances at the fairy lights, the lit candles. Did Loki personally light them because he knew he was coming over? Or do they light on and off automatically, with magic? There are so many things he could ask about. So many little things, and so little time left. But he's determined not to waste even a second of the time they do have left together, so he keeps walking, letting Loki guide him through the halls.]
[Hiyori might not have said anything yet, but Loki knows something is up the moment he gets the message from him. It’s not that there’s anything specific in his message. Hiyori seems as upbeat as ever. But maybe that’s the problem. Loki has heard about Jun and he can’t stop thinking about how awful that must be for his friend.
Loki’s been meaning to reach out, but he’s ashamed to admit that he’s been afraid to. Loki has lost quite a few friends here recently and he knows, no matter the tone of Hiyori’s message, his friend is unhappy and doesn’t want to be here without his partner. He can’t blame him and the last thing Loki would do is actually try to get Hiyori to stay here without Jun, even if that’s exactly what he wishes he could do. It feels all too much like when he realized Mobius didn’t know him anymore.
The last thing he wants though is to put any kind of pressure on Hiyori. The other man is right, he’s rather sweet on him, and he will miss him more than most around here, but he also cares about him enough to know he can’t stay, wouldn’t be the same Hiyori if he did. In fact, he’ll even tear down the walls to help Hiyori find his way out if needed.
So, when the knock comes to his door, Loki opens it with a welcoming smile, showing Hiyori in with as much grace as he always has.]
I am glad you like it. You are correct, it does look like an enchanted forest, but it is not what it looks like where I grew up. I did spend a lot of time in a place that looks a lot like this when I was growing up. I used to travel a bit with my mother and the forests of Alfheimr were my favourite.
[As far as Loki is concerned, Hiyori can ask all the questions he would like, but it’s all for the selfish reasons of wanting to keep him for as long as possible.]
[Seeing Loki's face always gave him a burst of happiness. Then it also started to make his stomach squirm—around the time they had that text conversation and he realized how much Loki wanted him, how much he wanted Loki. It wasn't guilt he felt per se, but he also wasn't used to it: to wanting someone here other than Jun. Jun was okay with opening things up to some extent, but Hiyori didn't want to make him jealous, not when he understood that feeling of jealousy all too well.
Now that they've consummated their attraction though, and now that he's come to terms with it, that squirmy sensation is gone. There's no longer anything to feel bad about where Jun is concerned, if there ever was; Jun is his one and only partner, and Hiyori intends to follow him out of here. Outside the resort, wherever his string takes him, to the farthest reach of the universe if need be. What he feels instead, as Loki greets him at the door, is heartache. It always hurts, saying goodbye does. It's always easier not to get attached.
But just as he couldn't stop himself from attaching to Nagisa as a child, despite knowing he'd be leaving the Tomoe household soon, he can't help but love the friends he's made here. So just as he did for Nagisa, he pushes through the heartache and smiles.]
So that's what it's modeled after. The forests of Alfheimr! ♪
[He sounds interested, sounds pleased, sounds eager to try out the unfamiliar word. There's so little time left, but he wants to spend it like this. And so he holds Loki's arm close, clinging to his warmth and sharing some of his own.]
I'm glad you have some piece of your world here. I know that sort of thing helps me feel less lonely. And I like a good forest theme, since I've gotten so used to the Vale. I bet my birds would love it here~♪
[It's an innocent observation; he doesn't mean anything by it. Asking Loki to take custody of his birds isn't in the plan. Although, if he could come to visit them from time to time...]
What about your bed? Is the headboard made of branches? It's not up in a giant treehouse, is it?
[Also said innocently. He's not trying to get Loki to take him to bed yet!
[Though Loki doesn’t like the thought of Hiyori being uncomfortable around him, he understands why it was like that. He has always done his best to keep his own feelings underwraps, and after that wasn’t possible anymore, he did his best to make sure Hiyori knew he would never do anything to make him uncomfortable, at least not on purpose. He likes to think that he has been pretty successful with that, but there really was only so much he could do. Hiyori has known how Loki feels at least since the texting situation and there isn’t anything Loki could do to change that.
Then the Gala happened and Loki still isn’t sure how he feels about what happened. Part of him is still in awe and, quite frankly, thrilled. It was everything he hoped it would be, minus the aphrodisiacs. He really could’ve done without that. If it had been up to him, he would’ve had them both be sober and willing and he would’ve taken his time to show Hiyori just how he feels. Instead it was quick and desperate and as much as Loki enjoyed it (how could he not?) it just isn’t how he’d hoped it would happen, when he’d allowed himself to hope at all.
And now Loki feels like he’s running out of time. Despite the pleasantries, he can feel the tension in the air, can feel them both hanging back a bit. It makes Loki want to do something crazy, makes him want to pull Hiyori into his arms and tell him exactly what he means to him. That is not a feeling Loki often has. He cares about a lot of people, but actually sitting down and telling them? That is pretty foreign to him.]
I think you would really like it there. It’s very beautiful and you remind me a bit of the elves.
[He doesn’t explain, but Loki hopes Hiyori knows that he means that as the ultimate compliment. Elves are beautiful and talented in the arts and if Loki had his way, he would take Hiyori to see it sometime, if he wanted. Though Loki doesn’t really know how to bring that up just yet.]
It is nice to be somewhere where things feel familiar. It has been such a long time since I was able to visit. It almost feels like it was a different life altogether. I worry I would hardly recognize it if I were able to visit now.
[Loki chuckles softly and pulls Hiyori in a little closer, placing a hand on his arm where they are essentially holding onto each other.]
No, or at least not currently, It is a nice bedframe, but still rather standard. I do like the idea of a headboard made of branches though. I have always felt a kinship with trees. Though I don’t believe I would like to have my bed in one. It doesn’t seem very stable. Especially around here.
[On the first day of the month, Hiyori's world stopped.
Once Jun had disappeared from the registry, from their suite, from his side of the bed that they shared, that was it: nothing else could possibly matter. From then on, he'd have to spend his time working towards his Wish, so he could revive Jun and send him home in his place. He couldn't afford to care about anyone or anything else, least of all his own dreams or his own future.
Such were his gloomy thoughts. But then he made a certain discovery about Jun's statue, and just like that, an immeasurably heavy burden was lifted. He could leave his suite to do fun things again, and he could muster up concern and care for other people. He still missed Jun dearly, but he could endure the heartache. Jun was still alive; he just wasn't in the resort. But they'd be together again soon. He was sure of it.
Though his world may have stopped temporarily, time at the resort marched onward. Summer gave way to autumn and now they approach the spooky season. With new flavors and festivities available, it made for a perfect excuse to go out and explore the Nest. And his partner for such an excursion?
Why, that would be Miss Topaz, of course. He wants to take her on a nice day out while he still has the chance. If he doesn't, she might just toil away all day! And they can't have that, now, can they?
First, it's off to sample new products. Is pumpkin spice the better seasonal flavor, or is it apple cider? In order to cast their vote, they'll need to order lots of goodies in both flavors! Then it's off to look for Halloween decs, of which Hiyori buys several. Not for his suite, he explains, but for the treehouse in the Vale that his birds frequent. He comes away with a nice variety, including seasonal lights, Halloween-themed bird feeders, and decorative ghosts, plus this cheery-looking thing. He seems especially pleased by the last find, holding it up approvingly.]
Perfect!
[Perfect for what, he doesn't say. But he promptly brings it over to the cash register. Then, once they're out of the store:]
Let's head to the Vale next. We've got these decorations to put up, and then you can finally meet my birds! Why, if we're lucky, a special guest might even show up...♪
[His smile is friendly, his tone lighthearted. Though he does add, as a warning:]
Last year the Vale got taken over by monsters. Hopefully that won't happen again, but if it does, we'll just have to make a speedy escape! I can count on your firepower, right?
[ She's always looked out for Hiyori since he's a friend and a noncombatant. Even though the monsters aren't around yet, she can't help scanning the area just in case.
But she doesn't want to be bad company, so she'll keep up the banter. ]
Birds seem like a fitting companion for an idol. In addition to dogs.
[He appreciates the caution. He was pretty wigged out by the monster stuff, to the point where he hid in his suite for the latter half of October last year. But things could've been worse. The monster who threatened him still had some wits about him and backed off after Hiyori yelled at him.
He holds the weird octopus to his chest with one arm and swings his free arm, smiling warmly at the comment about birds.]
Right? Glad you think so! ♪ Though I never considered having those as pets before, to be honest. But then the strings game happened, and those eggs started popping up. They hatched in no time, and before I knew it, I'd gotten attached. They're my pride and joy, so I can't wait for you to meet them. Even though the one who looks like Rinne-senpai is nothing but trouble...
[It's an October day like any other when Hiyori texts Baizhu and suggests they meet up at the Vale. "I've added some festive decorations to the treehouse, including a really funny one! You simply must see it! And it'd be even better if you brought your Master along. The more, the merrier!"
That's how he phrases the invite. He doesn't hint at having any deeper, more serious reason to talk to Baizhu, even though he does. But he does also want to show off the decorations, and he does want them to have a pleasant time together. Before he leaves, he'd like to make some last memories with the friends he's made here.
To Hiyori's pleasure, Baizhu accepts, and so he waits outside the entrance to the Vale as promised. Only he doesn't look like his usual self; he's outfitted to the nines, dramatically dressed in black and violet. With high-heeled boots and an eyepatch covering one eye, he looks striking. Yet neither of those is the most eye-catching part of his costume, oh no; that would have to be the prop snake draped around his shoulders. Talk about a fashion statement!]
Hello! I'm so glad you both could make it~♪
[He raises a gloved hand and gives a wave. And then, once Baizhu is close enough to appreciate the... finer details of his costume, he pokes the little prop snake on his shoulder. It stares, inanimate, with beady little eyes. (Literally, its eyes are beads.)]
I thought it'd be nice if we matched, so I brought this little guy! Cute, right?
[ He and Changsheng had shared a fond smile as he read Hiyori’s message aloud, before they’d sent their RSVP in short order, little suspecting Hiyori’s true motivations behind the invite.
Although they do laugh a little, when they see Hiyori’s new getup at the entrance to the Vale, albeit it’s more out of amusement than any kind of meanspiritedness.
Not that it stops them from teasing him a little— ]
It seems the young master has failed to inform us that this would be a formal affair.
And with such illustrious company, too! Well, Baizhu, it looks like he’s managed to outrank you!
Fufu, sorry! I wasn't trying to outrank anyone. This is actually a repeat outfit! I wore it on the third night of the gala, but I didn't get to show it off for very long, and I thought that was a shame. So, I brought it back out!
[He puffs out his chest proudly, as though this all makes perfect sense. (The reason he didn't get to wear the outfit for very long is because Loki undressed him with magic so they could have spur-of-the-moment sex after accidentally drinking spiked wine, but of course he doesn't say that.)]
It's not the easiest to move around in, but I figured that would be fine. Baizhu-san can use his magic to create that wooden platform thing, which means we don't have to climb the tree! Now, let's go~♪
[And off he heads in his high heels, apparently full of energy.]
[ His lips can’t help but quirk a little at the mention of the gala. Oh, there are any number of reasons why one wouldn’t have long to wear their costumes at the time, and Baizhu wisely decides not to say anything further about it. ]
Sounds like you’ve spoiled him a bit too much, Baizhu.
[ With a helpless shrug and a chuckle, Baizhu moves to follow Hiyori—and unlike Hiyori he’s not quite as energetic, so he’s huffing and puffing a bit once they reach the treehouse.
Eel doesn’t appear to be anywhere in sight this time. Then again, she’s probably off fighting Kleken’s other spawn.
To Hiyori: ]
Please brace yourself.
[ So he can grow a helpful tree from underneath their feet to carry them all the way to the top! ]
[For a few days at the start of the month, Hiyori's world has stopped. Jun's disappearance plunged him into a deep despair, one potent enough for Esikko to feel through their connection. This was the end: not just the end of his cozy little domestic life, but the end to his hopes and dreams. He'd have to sacrifice his future to save Jun's, and that meant "Hiyori Tomoe" the idol was no more. He'd never return to his unit, his fans, his home or his blood family. He'd become, effectively, a ghost. Those were his dreary thoughts.
Until he made a discovery that changed everything. When he realized the string on his finger didn't connect to Jun's statue, he experienced a greater rush of relief than he'd ever felt in his life. And just like that, it was over. The despair for his future, all the doom and gloom. He was still lonely, especially at night, but the overwhelming despair emanating from his end of the connection had simply diminished down to nothing. Difficult times still lay ahead, but for now he has plans to make and people to see. And not just "people," but friends!
Esikko-kun, Esikko-kun! You're not doing anything important, are you? Let's go have fun!
When they meet, Hiyori's wearing a sunny smile. All the more radiant, perhaps, for how despondent he looked the last time they met. Full of energy, he drags Esikko around the resort, pointing out different seasonal foods and festivities along the way. Look, that shop has Halloween cake pops shaped like Jack-o-lanterns! Has Esikko ever tried a cake pop before? Neither has Hiyori, so they both should get one! (He'll pay for everything, don't worry.) And look, Basking Robbins has new autumn flavors, including pumpkin pie flavor! But they have regular chocolate, too, of course, if Esikko wants that. (This is followed by an anecdote about the time Nagisa ate too much chocolate ice cream and developed a cavity, causing Ibara to decide to brush his teeth from then on.)
After the sweets tour comes looking at seasonal decorations. Then comes looking at costumes, then Mating Season. It's not a real "date" at the Golden Peacock if it doesn't include a trip to Mating Season, right? Hiyori strides up to the front desk and makes his specifications known, being very clear about what he wants. The staff says they'll have no problem accommodating him, and after paying for the room, he tugs his "date" away, gripping Esikko's cool hand in his warm one.]
This way! Come on~♪
[They're guided to a pod which meets his requirements. One with ample seating, a big screen mounted to the wall, and two different machines: one a standard karaoke machine, and the other speaker that can hook up to his phone. On the table sits the song selector, a room service menu, and a tambourine. A classic, normal setup, at least if you ignore stuff like the condoms also sitting out on the table. But this is the Golden Peacock, and after being here so long, Hiyori hardly bats an eyelash at those. He looks around the room once, then nods, seemingly satisfied.]
Looks good!
[The grip on Esikko's hand goes slack. He sits down, crossing his legs beneath the table and picking up the menu.]
We'll need water to keep our voices in shape, but unless you want more snacks, we could skip ordering stuff and go right to singing. Even Esikko-kun's appetite for sweets must have a limit, right?
It's nice, honestly, compared to how Esikko had seen him the first time. He can feel the difference, in their shared link, and in the tug of his hand from place to place. He knows that this sort of energy is coming from what he can only call delusion, himself, but— with a lot of careful measuring of the control of his own emotions, he keeps that negativity down, and focuses instead on Hiyori's apparent recovery.
Because that's what this is, right? He's cheered up in some weird way, and now he's going to not worry so much, and everything will be fine?
With his hand finally free, Esikko takes a moment to take in the scenery. He's never been to anything like karaoke— he's only ever sung for himself, for his little brother, and for Leo— and even if he had, this technology is strange and new, regardless. Machines and speakers and screens... )
Slow down, won't you? ( A little overwhelmed, but still having fun of his own, he sits down next to Hiyori, eyes sliding over to the menu in his hands. He can't lie— even after eating tons of sweets earlier, the pictures of them on the menu make him want more... But he knows better. There's no way he'd be able to eat a bite, even when it comes to sweets. )
Mm, maybe just something to drink? ( So that he can have an excuse to focus on if he gets too embarrassed, or so that his mouth won't end up dry. He scrunches his eyebrows a little, a concerned flick of his eyes to Hiyori's face trying to read what he's really thinking, but it provides no context at all. He's not even sure if he should bother. As long as he's happy... )
But, you know, I don't know how I can sing anything if I don't know many songs to begin with...
Right, right! There's water, but there's also "spooky soda"! Ah, and they have tea too, of course. What fine weather~♪
[There's even an option for melon soda floats somewhere in there (spiked or non-spiked). Ice cream on top of soda, imagine that. When Esikko brings up potential difficulty finding a song to sing, though, Hiyori puts down the menu and switches his attention to that topic.]
True! We all hail from different worlds, and each one is bound to have different songs. But seeing as that's the case, maybe they have songs from all across the universe in their library. It doesn't hurt to check! I already know some of the songs I want to sing, though.
[His own, which are stored on his phone. But he leans across the table to look at the song selector anyway.
As he does so, there are no obvious signs of internal struggle playing out on his face. He looks happy, looks cheerful, because he is those things—though if Esikko were to dig deep into his emotions, he'd find the happiness is underpinned by sadness and fear. Hiyori doesn't know for sure where he's going once he "leaves" this place, and he knows the weeks spent isolating himself while he succumbs to his suit are going to be awful. Above all else, it hurts to say goodbye. To Esikko, and to his other friends.
But he's keeping those feelings well-buried. He hasn't always been the best at controlling his emotional responses here (hence the cruel things he said to Esikko while they were fighting), but he does have practice keeping the darkness at bay before it can cloud his sunny smile. And that's exactly what he does now. So they can have a fun day together, and so Esikko will remember the Hiyori Tomoe who smiled.
As for the song selector, the screen lists three categories available this month:
[He smiles like these categories make perfect sense to him. Many of the things that used to annoy him about the resort he now takes in stride, even finds amusing. Now that he sees an end to his time here, much of his prior irritation has melted away, the resort no longer a prison but a playground. There's that, and seeing things through his persona's eyes helped to give him a fresh perspective.]
Singing Halloween songs does sound fun. I'm guessing you don't know too many of those, though. I could show you some, or we could skip straight to singing songs from our worlds. I'll let you choose!
( If anything, that underlying sadness and fear makes it all feel that much more real. Like Hiyori really is just trying to cope. Like this is the best way he's found to deal with things, and maybe Esikko can be some sort of help for him. So he focuses on what's in front of him right now, eyes flicking to the screen to observe the categories. They all... Sound completely ridiculous?!
But he's not sure what to expect, either. With a furrowing of his brow, he taps at his own lip, taking a little too long to decide. But when he finally does: )
Spooky Scary Terrifying Tunes...? I guess. To be perfectly honest, I don't know many songs at all, you know, my world or not. There's... one that Leo showed me, I suppose.
( He could try that. If he gets a little loosened up, and so he also points to the menu's cute little melon soda float, eyes sparkling despite his intense expression. )
Also, I want to try this.
( So serious...! He's locked in. )
So, why don't you show me some of these "Halloween" songs after we order the drinks?
["All sorts of stuff! We could go shopping, sing karaoke, pet animals in the conservatory, eat premium sushi..."
Those were just some of the ideas he threw out when he proposed they spend a day having fun together. He's still interested in hitting as many of those as possible. His time here is limited—he knows that for sure now—but before he goes, he wants to have fun with his friends, including and especially with Bakugo. So they can all have no regrets, and so his friends will remember the Hiyori Tomoe who smiled.
But before premium sushi or petting animals, it's time for something else they discussed: a dance off! That should help work up an appetite, and it should be a wonderful way to start the day. So he walks into Chickadees dressed for the occasion, in something similar to this. Minus the bulky keychains and the collab characters' faces being printed on his sweatshirt. The sneakers will enable him to dance easily, and the colors of his outfit even match the arcade. He's ready to play games, he's ready to have fun, and he's ready to dance!
Though he does take a moment to look around and comment on some of the other games on the way to the DDR machine.]
Goodness, they have just so many games! They must have expanded since I last came here. And what exactly are those cute critters? Are we really supposed to hit them with a mallet? I guess that's one way to blow off stress, but it sounds rude!
[Yes, he found the Whack-a-Mole machine. And now he's turning to look at Bakugo instead of the moles, a smile on his lips as he says,]
Which means you must be excellent at it. You know how to hit things, and you're not at all concerned about what's rude. Don't tell me you're the type who screams, "I'll send you to Hell!" as you hit the moles... are you? Haha! ♪
[He laughs. Someone's already having too much fun teasing.]
[Not the first time he's been dragged out to spend a whole day with someone. Hell, not even the first time he's been dragged out to spend time with Hiyori. Though it is the first time he's been dragged out to spend the whole day with Hiyori. Ever since finding Jun's statue, something's been off about his friend. Silent speculations occasionally wander through his mind, one more prominent than the others, yet he refuses to give it full credit for the moment. If their time here is limited... he doesn't want Hiyori to leave with regrets or weighted feelings. Or to leave with sorrow. He gets to go home. Good. Get out of here; go back to your own world.
Thoughts to dwell on later. When he isn't scowling at glowing lights and throbbing beats pounding away in this corner of the arcade. Day after day after day he'd spend his mornings in Chickadees, racking up high scores (beating the shit out of challengers) and winning tickets to cash in on vouchers so he wouldn't have to spend his chips on shit like food and clothes. He doesn't frequent the place much now since he's an Ace and all his needs are more or less taken care of for him. So he leaves the arcade (and those high scores) for other people who need the vouchers more than him.
Doesn't mean he won't turn down a challenge. Unlike Hiyori, his clothing is simple like normal: a button down shirt left open over a black t-shirt hanging above dark green cargo pants atop strong boots. Tough guy yet casual with its own style. Someone might see him and think he's an easy mark, then get completely wrecked for the attempt. Hiyori's dressed to break a sweat. Heh, as if he's gonna let him escape this without running himself damp ragged. DDR isn't called "Extreme" for nothing!]
You're running your mouth too damn much! They change out games regularly, Parrot! [He wouldn't know because Hiyori comes here so seldom. Bakugo's expression flattens at the whack-a-mole mention. Seriously... This guy's so easily entertained.] Haa?! I can kick the shit out of anyone on these games! [He's fucking amazing at them! Hiyori continues rubbing it in and Bakugo ignites an explosion off one hand.] You wanna go to Hell too? Keep pushing me!
[And yet somehow Hiyori's never gone to hell in a year and a half of knowing this guy.]
[He thinks about that for a half-second (or pretends to), then shrugs.]
Makes sense! It's like that in the real world, too. Some machines go down for maintenance while others get added later. Like special collab games! Did you know we did the theme song for an arcade game once? That was a while ago, but it's true! Then there are those crane games, where the prizes get changed out regularly. One day you can fish for cute animal plushies, and the next, you can try for my plushie~♪
[It seems he hasn't learned his lesson about running his mouth. The last thing he says calls to mind what happened at Peacock's summer festival, but Bakugo probably doesn't want to remember that whole thing. Hiyori, on the other hand, never had the unnerving experience of waking up trapped behind glass, and thus found the whole thing funny.
He casts his eyes towards the crane machines here, checking to see if any of them seem to be carrying plushes that look like resort residents. But all he sees are cute mascots and a few dicks, probably mistakenly leftover from the night arcade, so he keeps it moving!]
I'm pretty sure kicking them is against the rules! You're supposed to use a mallet! [A smart aleck remark about whack-a-mole. Bakugo threatening to send him to Hell doesn't phase him, nor does it offend him. He'd be indignant if they didn't know each other so well; if this was one of their first times interacting. But just as Bakugo has gotten used to his incessant talking, teasing and tittering, Hiyori is accustomed to the other boy's empty threats. Bakugo likes him, after all. Otherwise he wouldn't be here, right?]
I'd much rather not, so I'll pass! And anyway, the machines are over there, so let's go!
[Spotting a couple, he skips off, reaching to tug Bakugo in the same direction. There's no need, the other boy has eyes and can walk, but Hiyori is feeling extra excitable and extra friendly today. Extra touchy, too, it seems. Chalk it up to sentimentality.
He does let go quickly, coming to stand in front of the DDR machines with his hands on his hips and an approving smile.]
Looks like we have them all to ourselves! What fine weather~♪
[He fishes in his sweatshirt pocket for a coin. And then, peering at the screen:]
First it wants us to choose a difficulty level, but I'm not sure which of those to start off with. Is Baku-kun the type who turns it all the way up because "lower levels are for amateurs"? Or do you start slow to warm up first?
[Even more teasing... but it is an honest question.]
[Ugh, this guy doesn't know when to shut up! Bakugo's shoulders start hiking upward as his jaws set, one ashen brow twitching over narrowed eyes. Somewhere on his forehead, a vein's starting to punch outward in throbbing ire. Why the hell's he have to put up with this back home AND here?! First Midoriya wouldn't stop running his mouth, and now Hiyori's taking after him. BOTH OF THEM ARE GREEN HEADS TOO!! He doesn't have something to cram into the idol's mouth outside of his hand or shirt!]
You've got too damn much in your head!
[Of course he doesn't want to remember getting stuck in that shitty crane machine game! Bastard kept picking at him while asking Bakugo to fish around for his damn plushie! Couldn't break out, couldn't run for the exit, he had no choice but compliance. Ugh. Bastard. At least Hiyori worked with him. Eventually. Luckily no one's stuck in Chickadee's crane games. Bakugo clicks his tongue irritably, guessing the idol's thoughts when he throws his gaze towards the glass-walled pile of plushes. Dicks included. Might be funny to get one of those and then throw it at Hiyori. Watch him shriek and run. Heh heh heh.]
People've done a lot worse than kick them! [He's pretty damn sure half these machines have been destroyed at some point. Whether by a fight breaking out or sheer anger overflowing. He shoves his hands into his pocket and stalks into the arcade, leading Hiyori after him. Start with some of the simpler games before moving into more competitive shi-] OY! They hell are you yanking me for?!
[Guess he's not leading, instead bouncing on one foot for a fleeting second before getting drawn after Hiyori. Ugh, excitable bastard. Not the first time someone's dragged him, but his reaction's always the same. Yell and snarl, then sulk and stalk along behind them for a little bit. Touching sometimes allowed to continue. Hiyori doesn't keep him tethered too long, so he earns himself the compromise. Bakugo stops before the machine's metal platform, colored arrows blazing on its 9-square base.]
Che! I already warmed up before I came here. [Yes, he's the nerd who stretches before playing DDR. A quick rap of his knuckle on the arcade machine screen indicates Difficulty 6 of 9.] Start here. I wanna see whether you're any good. [Taunting him? Hell yes! This is trash-talking arcade competition! Even if Hiyori's a dancer, has he done DDR before? Not the same as stage dancing where you're free to go all over, compared to being "trapped" on the 9-square stage.]
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Goodbye Threads
@Leona
That's all he says. The suggestion probably feels like it came out of the blue. But in reality, this is something he proposed a while ago. How long has it been since he offered Leona a private concert? Why, it feels like a lifetime has passed, and in a sense it has. But now is his final chance to deliver on that promise, so that's what he'll do.
He reserves a room with a stage, a sound system, and plenty of cushy seating. The room has mirrored walls, and the stage of course has a pole at the center, but he isn't bothered by either of those things; in fact, they're what he wants. His concept of a "performance" has expanded considerably since coming to GP, and so too has his repertoire. But Part One of his performance is just going to be regular idol stuff, because in the end, that's what he is: before he's a pole dancer or a nonspecific "performer," he's an idol. Some people here are heroes, some are immortal gods, some are mages and some are monsters, but he's an idol. That's who he is, and that's who he'll always be: the idol called Hiyori Tomoe.
He performs a medley of his songs, hooking his smartphone up to the speakers for instrumentals. The first one up is Sunlit Smile, a song Leona already heard ages ago, back when Hiyori and the other idols performed it on the beach. Next is Awakening Myth, and then he sings Trap for You, sings it solo and without any shame. He dials himself down for a gentle and heartfelt Deep Eclipse, the song he never got to perform with Eden at SS, and then he sings Psyche's Butterfly, telling Leona to pay special attention to this one since the song inspired the costume Leona saw him wear at the gala. And then he sings both his solos: the bubbly one, and the desperate ode to love.
That's what he chooses to close with: "Accept My Love." He's perfected his performance since he sang the song for Fuuta, and then Leo after that. He performs the song with passion, with enthusiasm, and yes, with love: love for the career he had back home, love for his fans, love for the life he led, and love for the people he's met here, one lion prince included. By the end, he's got one knee down on the seat between Leona's thighs, his head bowed over Leona's so he can sing those last lines while staring into his eyes. "Entrust yourself to me," he sings, close enough that Leona can feel his breath, his warmth.
And then the music stops and he draws back before Leona can grab him. But don't worry, he'll make himself available for manhandling soon.]
Phew...♪
[He brushes his sweaty bangs out of his eyes, then flops down in the seat next to Leona, taking a gulp from his water bottle.]
Well? What'd you think of Part One? I'll move onto the next part soon, but I'm curious! Did I make your heart race? ♪
[He's smiling, looking at Leona expectantly, his body relaxed and his voice carefree. If it seems like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders, well, there's a reason for that, but he won't get into it right now.]
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though he would say that... where hiyori ended up at the end of the last song does have him staring awkwardly, especially as he pulls away. he can't even get his hands out of his own lap to grab him, keep him close, take those lips and seal them with his own. he has no verbal response while the rest of him is paralyzed into allowing hiyori to conclude.
...
right. he should probably respond, huh? ]
You've got a Part Two?
[ blinking slowly with astonishment, looking at the collapsed idol next to him in that seat. no, he looks... free. the kind of exhausted that feels genuine. hard work, sweat, blood, tears. he's sure that hiyori's felt that way before.
but there is something else that draws his curiosity even further. is it relief? or maybe it's something else entirely. ]
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But he doesn't want to get into all that "goodbye" stuff yet, so for now he just flashes Leona a cheeky smile.]
Of course! Try to keep up, will you?
[He caps the bottle and sets it aside, then hops out of his seat.]
If you're too speechless to give any feedback, then it's onto the next part! Hold this, will you?
[He then proceeds to take off his blazer and fling it onto Leona's lap. He's wearing a fancy embroidered sheer tank top underneath, something Weiss pointed out to him when they went shopping together ages ago. He didn't have enough chips to buy much at the time, but he went back and bought it later. He spends a lot of time browsing the Nest, and he's accumulated a lot of nice clothes. He'd like to show some of them off one last time before he follows in Jun's footsteps.]
You'll never guess who was giving me dance pointers. To give you a hint, it's someone we both know! I was a little hesitant about this type of dance at first, but he helped open my mind to it.
[While chatting away, he reaches for the waistband of his tight black pants. And then... casually pops open the button? Hmm.]
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Dance pointers... dunno. Can't think of anyone who'd be willin' to teach you anythin' like this.
[ guessing games aren't ones he likes to participate in. but if it's someone they both know, it should probably cut down the possible names to a pretty small list. ]
But whoever did looks like he did a pretty good job.
[ those eyes follow hiyori's hands, his fingers, where his pants... the button? it's open?? he's really getting this kind of dance now. if there weren't beads of sweat on the beastman's brow before, there are now. ]
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[He pauses deliberately, letting the ~mystery~ linger for a moment, while he draaaags the zipper of his pants down just as casually as he popped open the button.]
It was Vil-kun! We ran into each other at House Finch, and we got to talking about dance. He kindly gave me some pointers, and he told me they had lessons in this sort of thing at Ugly Duckling, so I signed up for some classes. And now, I have an even bigger repertoire.
[He wriggles out of his pants while he talks, bending over shamelessly once they're down his thighs, before finally stepping out of them and tossing them aside too. He's wearing short shorts underneath, shimmery and red to match his top. And what's he wearing underneath the shorts, you ask?
That's a secret! For now, anyway. He gets back up on the stage, standing in front of the pole with his hands on his hips, and smiles mischievously at his audience of one.]
Ready to see those new tricks I learned?
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@Loki
He will say so eventually. He's not planning to keep secrets, least of all from Loki. But there's so much else he wants to do, apart from just saying goodbye and having bittersweet discussions. He wants to spend his last days with the people he's grown to care about. To have fun, make memories, and show each of them how much they mean to him. He can't control how he's remembered, but if possible, he wants to be remembered as someone who always smiled. And he wants his last memory to be of their smiling faces, too. So he can exit the resort with no regrets.
As far as Loki is concerned, he doesn't have many of those. But he does have a recent one: their first time together. He doesn't regret that it happened, but he does regret how it went down, which is why he's intent on doing things differently. Without the influence of any drug, he wants to give himself to Loki. Not as a quick hook-up in a Mating Season pod, but as something special and intimate.
So, he invites himself over to Loki's suite. I have something important I should mention, but first I want to spend quality time together! Think you can clear your schedule? That's how he asks, knowing full well the answer will be yes. Loki's always been sweet on him. And even though he already has a partner, whom he's decided to chase to the ends of the Earth, Hiyori is pretty sweet on Loki, too.]
I love what you've done with the place. It's like an enchanted forest! ♪
[He's all smiles as they pass through Loki's gigantic King suite, Hiyori holding tightly onto his arm. He glances at the fairy lights, the lit candles. Did Loki personally light them because he knew he was coming over? Or do they light on and off automatically, with magic? There are so many things he could ask about. So many little things, and so little time left. But he's determined not to waste even a second of the time they do have left together, so he keeps walking, letting Loki guide him through the halls.]
Is this what your home looked like?
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Loki’s been meaning to reach out, but he’s ashamed to admit that he’s been afraid to. Loki has lost quite a few friends here recently and he knows, no matter the tone of Hiyori’s message, his friend is unhappy and doesn’t want to be here without his partner. He can’t blame him and the last thing Loki would do is actually try to get Hiyori to stay here without Jun, even if that’s exactly what he wishes he could do. It feels all too much like when he realized Mobius didn’t know him anymore.
The last thing he wants though is to put any kind of pressure on Hiyori. The other man is right, he’s rather sweet on him, and he will miss him more than most around here, but he also cares about him enough to know he can’t stay, wouldn’t be the same Hiyori if he did. In fact, he’ll even tear down the walls to help Hiyori find his way out if needed.
So, when the knock comes to his door, Loki opens it with a welcoming smile, showing Hiyori in with as much grace as he always has.]
I am glad you like it. You are correct, it does look like an enchanted forest, but it is not what it looks like where I grew up. I did spend a lot of time in a place that looks a lot like this when I was growing up. I used to travel a bit with my mother and the forests of Alfheimr were my favourite.
[As far as Loki is concerned, Hiyori can ask all the questions he would like, but it’s all for the selfish reasons of wanting to keep him for as long as possible.]
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Now that they've consummated their attraction though, and now that he's come to terms with it, that squirmy sensation is gone. There's no longer anything to feel bad about where Jun is concerned, if there ever was; Jun is his one and only partner, and Hiyori intends to follow him out of here. Outside the resort, wherever his string takes him, to the farthest reach of the universe if need be. What he feels instead, as Loki greets him at the door, is heartache. It always hurts, saying goodbye does. It's always easier not to get attached.
But just as he couldn't stop himself from attaching to Nagisa as a child, despite knowing he'd be leaving the Tomoe household soon, he can't help but love the friends he's made here. So just as he did for Nagisa, he pushes through the heartache and smiles.]
So that's what it's modeled after. The forests of Alfheimr! ♪
[He sounds interested, sounds pleased, sounds eager to try out the unfamiliar word. There's so little time left, but he wants to spend it like this. And so he holds Loki's arm close, clinging to his warmth and sharing some of his own.]
I'm glad you have some piece of your world here. I know that sort of thing helps me feel less lonely. And I like a good forest theme, since I've gotten so used to the Vale. I bet my birds would love it here~♪
[It's an innocent observation; he doesn't mean anything by it. Asking Loki to take custody of his birds isn't in the plan. Although, if he could come to visit them from time to time...]
What about your bed? Is the headboard made of branches? It's not up in a giant treehouse, is it?
[Also said innocently. He's not trying to get Loki to take him to bed yet!
... though he'd also not opposed.]
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Then the Gala happened and Loki still isn’t sure how he feels about what happened. Part of him is still in awe and, quite frankly, thrilled. It was everything he hoped it would be, minus the aphrodisiacs. He really could’ve done without that. If it had been up to him, he would’ve had them both be sober and willing and he would’ve taken his time to show Hiyori just how he feels. Instead it was quick and desperate and as much as Loki enjoyed it (how could he not?) it just isn’t how he’d hoped it would happen, when he’d allowed himself to hope at all.
And now Loki feels like he’s running out of time. Despite the pleasantries, he can feel the tension in the air, can feel them both hanging back a bit. It makes Loki want to do something crazy, makes him want to pull Hiyori into his arms and tell him exactly what he means to him. That is not a feeling Loki often has. He cares about a lot of people, but actually sitting down and telling them? That is pretty foreign to him.]
I think you would really like it there. It’s very beautiful and you remind me a bit of the elves.
[He doesn’t explain, but Loki hopes Hiyori knows that he means that as the ultimate compliment. Elves are beautiful and talented in the arts and if Loki had his way, he would take Hiyori to see it sometime, if he wanted. Though Loki doesn’t really know how to bring that up just yet.]
It is nice to be somewhere where things feel familiar. It has been such a long time since I was able to visit. It almost feels like it was a different life altogether. I worry I would hardly recognize it if I were able to visit now.
[Loki chuckles softly and pulls Hiyori in a little closer, placing a hand on his arm where they are essentially holding onto each other.]
No, or at least not currently, It is a nice bedframe, but still rather standard. I do like the idea of a headboard made of branches though. I have always felt a kinship with trees. Though I don’t believe I would like to have my bed in one. It doesn’t seem very stable. Especially around here.
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belatedly noticing I replied to the wrong thread. sorry (also 1/2)
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I was deep into my reply before I realized something was off LOL
Maybe in 2026 I'll make fewer embarrassing blunders...
Perhaps, but then would you be you? :D
probably not no...
Excellent! Because I have no complaints.
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@Topaz
Once Jun had disappeared from the registry, from their suite, from his side of the bed that they shared, that was it: nothing else could possibly matter. From then on, he'd have to spend his time working towards his Wish, so he could revive Jun and send him home in his place. He couldn't afford to care about anyone or anything else, least of all his own dreams or his own future.
Such were his gloomy thoughts. But then he made a certain discovery about Jun's statue, and just like that, an immeasurably heavy burden was lifted. He could leave his suite to do fun things again, and he could muster up concern and care for other people. He still missed Jun dearly, but he could endure the heartache. Jun was still alive; he just wasn't in the resort. But they'd be together again soon. He was sure of it.
Though his world may have stopped temporarily, time at the resort marched onward. Summer gave way to autumn and now they approach the spooky season. With new flavors and festivities available, it made for a perfect excuse to go out and explore the Nest. And his partner for such an excursion?
Why, that would be Miss Topaz, of course. He wants to take her on a nice day out while he still has the chance. If he doesn't, she might just toil away all day! And they can't have that, now, can they?
First, it's off to sample new products. Is pumpkin spice the better seasonal flavor, or is it apple cider? In order to cast their vote, they'll need to order lots of goodies in both flavors! Then it's off to look for Halloween decs, of which Hiyori buys several. Not for his suite, he explains, but for the treehouse in the Vale that his birds frequent. He comes away with a nice variety, including seasonal lights, Halloween-themed bird feeders, and decorative ghosts, plus this cheery-looking thing. He seems especially pleased by the last find, holding it up approvingly.]
Perfect!
[Perfect for what, he doesn't say. But he promptly brings it over to the cash register. Then, once they're out of the store:]
Let's head to the Vale next. We've got these decorations to put up, and then you can finally meet my birds! Why, if we're lucky, a special guest might even show up...♪
[His smile is friendly, his tone lighthearted. Though he does add, as a warning:]
Last year the Vale got taken over by monsters. Hopefully that won't happen again, but if it does, we'll just have to make a speedy escape! I can count on your firepower, right?
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[ She's always looked out for Hiyori since he's a friend and a noncombatant. Even though the monsters aren't around yet, she can't help scanning the area just in case.
But she doesn't want to be bad company, so she'll keep up the banter. ]
Birds seem like a fitting companion for an idol. In addition to dogs.
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[He appreciates the caution. He was pretty wigged out by the monster stuff, to the point where he hid in his suite for the latter half of October last year. But things could've been worse. The monster who threatened him still had some wits about him and backed off after Hiyori yelled at him.
He holds the weird octopus to his chest with one arm and swings his free arm, smiling warmly at the comment about birds.]
Right? Glad you think so! ♪ Though I never considered having those as pets before, to be honest. But then the strings game happened, and those eggs started popping up. They hatched in no time, and before I knew it, I'd gotten attached. They're my pride and joy, so I can't wait for you to meet them. Even though the one who looks like Rinne-senpai is nothing but trouble...
@Baizhu
That's how he phrases the invite. He doesn't hint at having any deeper, more serious reason to talk to Baizhu, even though he does. But he does also want to show off the decorations, and he does want them to have a pleasant time together. Before he leaves, he'd like to make some last memories with the friends he's made here.
To Hiyori's pleasure, Baizhu accepts, and so he waits outside the entrance to the Vale as promised. Only he doesn't look like his usual self; he's outfitted to the nines, dramatically dressed in black and violet. With high-heeled boots and an eyepatch covering one eye, he looks striking. Yet neither of those is the most eye-catching part of his costume, oh no; that would have to be the prop snake draped around his shoulders. Talk about a fashion statement!]
Hello! I'm so glad you both could make it~♪
[He raises a gloved hand and gives a wave. And then, once Baizhu is close enough to appreciate the... finer details of his costume, he pokes the little prop snake on his shoulder. It stares, inanimate, with beady little eyes. (Literally, its eyes are beads.)]
I thought it'd be nice if we matched, so I brought this little guy! Cute, right?
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Although they do laugh a little, when they see Hiyori’s new getup at the entrance to the Vale, albeit it’s more out of amusement than any kind of meanspiritedness.
Not that it stops them from teasing him a little— ]
It seems the young master has failed to inform us that this would be a formal affair.
And with such illustrious company, too! Well, Baizhu, it looks like he’s managed to outrank you!
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Fufu, sorry! I wasn't trying to outrank anyone. This is actually a repeat outfit! I wore it on the third night of the gala, but I didn't get to show it off for very long, and I thought that was a shame. So, I brought it back out!
[He puffs out his chest proudly, as though this all makes perfect sense. (The reason he didn't get to wear the outfit for very long is because Loki undressed him with magic so they could have spur-of-the-moment sex after accidentally drinking spiked wine, but of course he doesn't say that.)]
It's not the easiest to move around in, but I figured that would be fine. Baizhu-san can use his magic to create that wooden platform thing, which means we don't have to climb the tree! Now, let's go~♪
[And off he heads in his high heels, apparently full of energy.]
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Sounds like you’ve spoiled him a bit too much, Baizhu.
[ With a helpless shrug and a chuckle, Baizhu moves to follow Hiyori—and unlike Hiyori he’s not quite as energetic, so he’s huffing and puffing a bit once they reach the treehouse.
Eel doesn’t appear to be anywhere in sight this time. Then again, she’s probably off fighting Kleken’s other spawn.
To Hiyori: ]
Please brace yourself.
[ So he can grow a helpful tree from underneath their feet to carry them all the way to the top! ]
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@Esikko
Until he made a discovery that changed everything. When he realized the string on his finger didn't connect to Jun's statue, he experienced a greater rush of relief than he'd ever felt in his life. And just like that, it was over. The despair for his future, all the doom and gloom. He was still lonely, especially at night, but the overwhelming despair emanating from his end of the connection had simply diminished down to nothing. Difficult times still lay ahead, but for now he has plans to make and people to see. And not just "people," but friends!
Esikko-kun, Esikko-kun! You're not doing anything important, are you? Let's go have fun!
When they meet, Hiyori's wearing a sunny smile. All the more radiant, perhaps, for how despondent he looked the last time they met. Full of energy, he drags Esikko around the resort, pointing out different seasonal foods and festivities along the way. Look, that shop has Halloween cake pops shaped like Jack-o-lanterns! Has Esikko ever tried a cake pop before? Neither has Hiyori, so they both should get one! (He'll pay for everything, don't worry.) And look, Basking Robbins has new autumn flavors, including pumpkin pie flavor! But they have regular chocolate, too, of course, if Esikko wants that. (This is followed by an anecdote about the time Nagisa ate too much chocolate ice cream and developed a cavity, causing Ibara to decide to brush his teeth from then on.)
After the sweets tour comes looking at seasonal decorations. Then comes looking at costumes, then Mating Season. It's not a real "date" at the Golden Peacock if it doesn't include a trip to Mating Season, right? Hiyori strides up to the front desk and makes his specifications known, being very clear about what he wants. The staff says they'll have no problem accommodating him, and after paying for the room, he tugs his "date" away, gripping Esikko's cool hand in his warm one.]
This way! Come on~♪
[They're guided to a pod which meets his requirements. One with ample seating, a big screen mounted to the wall, and two different machines: one a standard karaoke machine, and the other speaker that can hook up to his phone. On the table sits the song selector, a room service menu, and a tambourine. A classic, normal setup, at least if you ignore stuff like the condoms also sitting out on the table. But this is the Golden Peacock, and after being here so long, Hiyori hardly bats an eyelash at those. He looks around the room once, then nods, seemingly satisfied.]
Looks good!
[The grip on Esikko's hand goes slack. He sits down, crossing his legs beneath the table and picking up the menu.]
We'll need water to keep our voices in shape, but unless you want more snacks, we could skip ordering stuff and go right to singing. Even Esikko-kun's appetite for sweets must have a limit, right?
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It's nice, honestly, compared to how Esikko had seen him the first time. He can feel the difference, in their shared link, and in the tug of his hand from place to place. He knows that this sort of energy is coming from what he can only call delusion, himself, but— with a lot of careful measuring of the control of his own emotions, he keeps that negativity down, and focuses instead on Hiyori's apparent recovery.
Because that's what this is, right? He's cheered up in some weird way, and now he's going to not worry so much, and everything will be fine?
With his hand finally free, Esikko takes a moment to take in the scenery. He's never been to anything like karaoke— he's only ever sung for himself, for his little brother, and for Leo— and even if he had, this technology is strange and new, regardless. Machines and speakers and screens... )
Slow down, won't you? ( A little overwhelmed, but still having fun of his own, he sits down next to Hiyori, eyes sliding over to the menu in his hands. He can't lie— even after eating tons of sweets earlier, the pictures of them on the menu make him want more... But he knows better. There's no way he'd be able to eat a bite, even when it comes to sweets. )
Mm, maybe just something to drink? ( So that he can have an excuse to focus on if he gets too embarrassed, or so that his mouth won't end up dry. He scrunches his eyebrows a little, a concerned flick of his eyes to Hiyori's face trying to read what he's really thinking, but it provides no context at all. He's not even sure if he should bother. As long as he's happy... )
But, you know, I don't know how I can sing anything if I don't know many songs to begin with...
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[There's even an option for melon soda floats somewhere in there (spiked or non-spiked). Ice cream on top of soda, imagine that. When Esikko brings up potential difficulty finding a song to sing, though, Hiyori puts down the menu and switches his attention to that topic.]
True! We all hail from different worlds, and each one is bound to have different songs. But seeing as that's the case, maybe they have songs from all across the universe in their library. It doesn't hurt to check! I already know some of the songs I want to sing, though.
[His own, which are stored on his phone. But he leans across the table to look at the song selector anyway.
As he does so, there are no obvious signs of internal struggle playing out on his face. He looks happy, looks cheerful, because he is those things—though if Esikko were to dig deep into his emotions, he'd find the happiness is underpinned by sadness and fear. Hiyori doesn't know for sure where he's going once he "leaves" this place, and he knows the weeks spent isolating himself while he succumbs to his suit are going to be awful. Above all else, it hurts to say goodbye. To Esikko, and to his other friends.
But he's keeping those feelings well-buried. He hasn't always been the best at controlling his emotional responses here (hence the cruel things he said to Esikko while they were fighting), but he does have practice keeping the darkness at bay before it can cloud his sunny smile. And that's exactly what he does now. So they can have a fun day together, and so Esikko will remember the Hiyori Tomoe who smiled.
As for the song selector, the screen lists three categories available this month:
► Spooky Scary Terrifying Tunes
► Steamy Slow Jams
► Spooky Sexy Scary Songs]
Yep, it's just what I thought!
[He smiles like these categories make perfect sense to him. Many of the things that used to annoy him about the resort he now takes in stride, even finds amusing. Now that he sees an end to his time here, much of his prior irritation has melted away, the resort no longer a prison but a playground. There's that, and seeing things through his persona's eyes helped to give him a fresh perspective.]
Singing Halloween songs does sound fun. I'm guessing you don't know too many of those, though. I could show you some, or we could skip straight to singing songs from our worlds. I'll let you choose!
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But he's not sure what to expect, either. With a furrowing of his brow, he taps at his own lip, taking a little too long to decide. But when he finally does: )
Spooky Scary Terrifying Tunes...? I guess. To be perfectly honest, I don't know many songs at all, you know, my world or not. There's... one that Leo showed me, I suppose.
( He could try that. If he gets a little loosened up, and so he also points to the menu's cute little melon soda float, eyes sparkling despite his intense expression. )
Also, I want to try this.
( So serious...! He's locked in. )
So, why don't you show me some of these "Halloween" songs after we order the drinks?
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@Bakugo
Those were just some of the ideas he threw out when he proposed they spend a day having fun together. He's still interested in hitting as many of those as possible. His time here is limited—he knows that for sure now—but before he goes, he wants to have fun with his friends, including and especially with Bakugo. So they can all have no regrets, and so his friends will remember the Hiyori Tomoe who smiled.
But before premium sushi or petting animals, it's time for something else they discussed: a dance off! That should help work up an appetite, and it should be a wonderful way to start the day. So he walks into Chickadees dressed for the occasion, in something similar to this. Minus the bulky keychains and the collab characters' faces being printed on his sweatshirt. The sneakers will enable him to dance easily, and the colors of his outfit even match the arcade. He's ready to play games, he's ready to have fun, and he's ready to dance!
Though he does take a moment to look around and comment on some of the other games on the way to the DDR machine.]
Goodness, they have just so many games! They must have expanded since I last came here. And what exactly are those cute critters? Are we really supposed to hit them with a mallet? I guess that's one way to blow off stress, but it sounds rude!
[Yes, he found the Whack-a-Mole machine. And now he's turning to look at Bakugo instead of the moles, a smile on his lips as he says,]
Which means you must be excellent at it. You know how to hit things, and you're not at all concerned about what's rude. Don't tell me you're the type who screams, "I'll send you to Hell!" as you hit the moles... are you? Haha! ♪
[He laughs. Someone's already having too much fun teasing.]
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Thoughts to dwell on later. When he isn't scowling at glowing lights and throbbing beats pounding away in this corner of the arcade. Day after day after day he'd spend his mornings in Chickadees, racking up high scores (beating the shit out of challengers) and winning tickets to cash in on vouchers so he wouldn't have to spend his chips on shit like food and clothes. He doesn't frequent the place much now since he's an Ace and all his needs are more or less taken care of for him. So he leaves the arcade (and those high scores) for other people who need the vouchers more than him.
Doesn't mean he won't turn down a challenge. Unlike Hiyori, his clothing is simple like normal: a button down shirt left open over a black t-shirt hanging above dark green cargo pants atop strong boots. Tough guy yet casual with its own style. Someone might see him and think he's an easy mark, then get completely wrecked for the attempt. Hiyori's dressed to break a sweat. Heh, as if he's gonna let him escape this without running himself damp ragged. DDR isn't called "Extreme" for nothing!]
You're running your mouth too damn much! They change out games regularly, Parrot! [He wouldn't know because Hiyori comes here so seldom. Bakugo's expression flattens at the whack-a-mole mention. Seriously... This guy's so easily entertained.] Haa?! I can kick the shit out of anyone on these games! [He's fucking amazing at them! Hiyori continues rubbing it in and Bakugo ignites an explosion off one hand.] You wanna go to Hell too? Keep pushing me!
[And yet somehow Hiyori's never gone to hell in a year and a half of knowing this guy.]
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[He thinks about that for a half-second (or pretends to), then shrugs.]
Makes sense! It's like that in the real world, too. Some machines go down for maintenance while others get added later. Like special collab games! Did you know we did the theme song for an arcade game once? That was a while ago, but it's true! Then there are those crane games, where the prizes get changed out regularly. One day you can fish for cute animal plushies, and the next, you can try for my plushie~♪
[It seems he hasn't learned his lesson about running his mouth. The last thing he says calls to mind what happened at Peacock's summer festival, but Bakugo probably doesn't want to remember that whole thing. Hiyori, on the other hand, never had the unnerving experience of waking up trapped behind glass, and thus found the whole thing funny.
He casts his eyes towards the crane machines here, checking to see if any of them seem to be carrying plushes that look like resort residents. But all he sees are cute mascots and a few dicks, probably mistakenly leftover from the night arcade, so he keeps it moving!]
I'm pretty sure kicking them is against the rules! You're supposed to use a mallet! [A smart aleck remark about whack-a-mole. Bakugo threatening to send him to Hell doesn't phase him, nor does it offend him. He'd be indignant if they didn't know each other so well; if this was one of their first times interacting. But just as Bakugo has gotten used to his incessant talking, teasing and tittering, Hiyori is accustomed to the other boy's empty threats. Bakugo likes him, after all. Otherwise he wouldn't be here, right?]
I'd much rather not, so I'll pass! And anyway, the machines are over there, so let's go!
[Spotting a couple, he skips off, reaching to tug Bakugo in the same direction. There's no need, the other boy has eyes and can walk, but Hiyori is feeling extra excitable and extra friendly today. Extra touchy, too, it seems. Chalk it up to sentimentality.
He does let go quickly, coming to stand in front of the DDR machines with his hands on his hips and an approving smile.]
Looks like we have them all to ourselves! What fine weather~♪
[He fishes in his sweatshirt pocket for a coin. And then, peering at the screen:]
First it wants us to choose a difficulty level, but I'm not sure which of those to start off with. Is Baku-kun the type who turns it all the way up because "lower levels are for amateurs"? Or do you start slow to warm up first?
[Even more teasing... but it is an honest question.]
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You've got too damn much in your head!
[Of course he doesn't want to remember getting stuck in that shitty crane machine game! Bastard kept picking at him while asking Bakugo to fish around for his damn plushie! Couldn't break out, couldn't run for the exit, he had no choice but compliance. Ugh. Bastard. At least Hiyori worked with him. Eventually. Luckily no one's stuck in Chickadee's crane games. Bakugo clicks his tongue irritably, guessing the idol's thoughts when he throws his gaze towards the glass-walled pile of plushes. Dicks included. Might be funny to get one of those and then throw it at Hiyori. Watch him shriek and run. Heh heh heh.]
People've done a lot worse than kick them! [He's pretty damn sure half these machines have been destroyed at some point. Whether by a fight breaking out or sheer anger overflowing. He shoves his hands into his pocket and stalks into the arcade, leading Hiyori after him. Start with some of the simpler games before moving into more competitive shi-] OY! They hell are you yanking me for?!
[Guess he's not leading, instead bouncing on one foot for a fleeting second before getting drawn after Hiyori. Ugh, excitable bastard. Not the first time someone's dragged him, but his reaction's always the same. Yell and snarl, then sulk and stalk along behind them for a little bit. Touching sometimes allowed to continue. Hiyori doesn't keep him tethered too long, so he earns himself the compromise. Bakugo stops before the machine's metal platform, colored arrows blazing on its 9-square base.]
Che! I already warmed up before I came here. [Yes, he's the nerd who stretches before playing DDR. A quick rap of his knuckle on the arcade machine screen indicates Difficulty 6 of 9.] Start here. I wanna see whether you're any good. [Taunting him? Hell yes! This is trash-talking arcade competition! Even if Hiyori's a dancer, has he done DDR before? Not the same as stage dancing where you're free to go all over, compared to being "trapped" on the 9-square stage.]
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