foundationmods | Round 4 graveyard

Entry tags:

round 4

Round 4 graveyard

[When your character dies, however that may be, they will feel themselves floating. For a moment or two they will linger at the site of their death, hovering just above everyone, watching.

Then they will feel a pull and they will get tugged all the way to the studio, through a wall, through the hall, through a door.

The place they end up in looks to be a backstage area. There is an area for storing supplies, a coat rack full of empty prinny costumes, a lounge area, and a place to rest. All of these areas are marked by a green border between the described rooms and the doors that go elsewhere. You will see prinnies come and go, hurrying around as they do their work for the day. But within those borders, some of the prinnies will take off their suits, revealing the human souls within. Men, women, old, young, there is a large mix. They are all very dead, though, and seem used to being dead.

And among all of the dead is one living girl, one who seems to be running the show behind the set. She can be found giving instructions to prinnies and telling them where to put things, but she will always take time to give everyone who arrives the same warning:]

Hi there! I'm Marona, and this is the backstage area. There's a lot to do yet, so if you could help us out I would really appreciate it.

All the areas with the green on the floor are safe to be in as ghosts. Your souls won't get pulled away as long as you stay in the safe areas. If you want to go outside of there, though, you have to put on a prinny suit. And if you do that, you have to follow the rules of the prinnies: no killing anyone, follow the orders you're given by the living, and try not to blow up too much.

If you have any questions, I'll be here! But you can come and go as you like. Just don't give Mr. Dazai too much trouble, okay?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He stiffens a tiny bit at the sudden touch, but lifts his head, looking at Atsushi for a few seconds. There's the evidence of crying, already. As well as signs he's not entirely Here, in this moment. The slightly distant gaze does fade after those few seconds, though...

... Then? He's just going to shift and turn a bit, curling into the younger man. One hand lifts, curling into the front of Atsushi's shirt as he buries his face into the other young man's shoulder. All the while, his voice is a whisper as the words come tumbling out- ]

Sorry, I just... ... A moment. I just need a moment, is all... and... I'll be fine.

[Atsushi takes in the look on Goro's face and his heart breaks a little, a hallow sort of ache nesting itself on top of all the stress and pain of the day. He hates this. Hates how this game just kept chipping away at them all, until--]

Take all the moments you need. No one expects you to be 'fine' right now, Goro.

[Certainly not Atsushi, who couldn't say he was okay either. He could forgive Akira for what he'd done, but he was still scared for so many different reasons right now.

He tucks him a little closer, wrapping his other arm around Goro's back and allowing his fingers to settle in his hair from behind.]

[ Fortunately, those fingers manage to have Goro relaxing a tiny bit into the opposite form, already...

A soft 'heh' slips out and he nods. ]

... Thank you. I'm- sorry you have to be here, but... I'm also fucking terrible, you know. There's... a part of me happy to have you...

[ A quiet sob slips out. ]

Because, in the end, I'm too weak to handle being... away from the people who mean the most to me.

Then I'm terrible, too. Because a part of me is glad you're here with me. It... It makes things less... frightening.

[Less lonely. Less scary.

He's trying so hard not to think about the fact that he's dead. 'Temporarily not alive' is so much easier to accept.

Atsushi tucks his cheek against Goro's hair, letting out a shaky breath as he runs his fingers over the hair at his nape.]

If I was alone here, I think I'd be a mess.

[ He forces out a slow breath, relaxing a little more against those fingers. He closes his eyes, discreetly nuzzling into Atsushi's shoulder.

After a couple of seconds, he shifts a bit to rest his forehead against the side of Atsushi's neck... ]

... Maybe that's what happened to me. [ somewhat bitterly letting out a breathy laugh ] Being alone almost my entire life created a disaster.

[ What a great "joke", Goro, please tell another. ]

[That's not a funny joke, Goro. And from the look on Atsushi's face that Goro might or might not be able to see, he doesn't find it funny.]

...You're not a disaster, Goro. Maybe you're lonely, but that doesn't make you bad.

[He nuzzles Goro's hair a little, clinging just a bit tighter.]

It's something we have in common.

[ Those words have him going still for a moment... Quiet, listening... ]

... Sorry. You're not... the only one who's struggling to believe he's not-

[ He just barely pulls away, dragging a hand over his face. There's a bit of a pause. ]

I guess it's just... really starting to get to me, is all. Being stuck here. And, until you came along, I- felt way more alone. And useless, for the most part. Watching everyone else struggle and... hurt...

[ And now his teeth are clenched together as he bites back another sob. ]

Even when I'm right there, I'm usually left just... pretending I don't care as much as I do. It reminded me a lot of when I was-... betraying Ren...

[ Goro swallows thickly. ]

... That is to say... the version of Akira Kurusu that I knew first, and... the whole reason I took as long as I did to even consider dating Akira.

[ He's quiet for a moment. ]

In... my version, I shot and killed who I thought was Ren Amamiya. I... forced myself to focus entirely on my hatred of my father when I did it. I shut down on all other feelings. Then...? When I discovered that the one I killed was actually nothing more than a cognition of Ren, I broke down. I...

... Everything I had worked towards to kill that man - I thought it was all over, and all because I hadn't been able to kill who Shido was demanding I kill. [ weakly, tiredly ] It really was all over. So, I lashed out and tried to kill Ren a second time.

Being... forced to pretend for the cameras... for other people... just to continue existing...

[ He's shaking, the tears continuing to flow. ]

I'm just- so fucking tired of it, Shi-kun... What's it all for, anymore? I'm tired of being a fake... I'm tired of-...!!!

[ Yeah, now he's fiercely clinging on, outright sobbing into his shoulder. ]

[As Goro starts to talk, Atsushi holds him tightly, tucking himself around him as if to shield him from whatever would hurt him, even himself. Of course he knows it isn't that easy... but if he can make him feel even a little bit less scared, a little bit less lonely...

He hopes he can. He doesn't want Goro to feel like he needs to pretend with him. Especially since what he's hearing is...

Another Akira. Another Akira he'd killed, or at least thought he did. How desperate must Goro have been, to go that far...? How far had Shido pushed him?

...He hated him. He'd never met him, but he hated him with a burning anger he quickly shoves down deep to deal with later, and if there's a tail curling around Goro's waist possessively, well... he can't contain it all. It's better than tearing someone to shreds, like Byakko wants to do.]

You're trying to survive. You're fighting hard, and... it's okay to get tired. You don't have to pretend here with me, if you need a break. You don't have to shut anything down. It's okay.

[He tucks his head against's Goro's hair a little more firmly, voice tight.]

I'm sorry... I'm sorry you were so alone.

[Not just here, but even before. In his world.

...Had Goro had anyone at all who reached out to him, in his world? Not soon enough, surely.]

[ It takes a while for to sobs to die down.

Once it's over, he slumps a bit, and it's probably glaringly clear he's as drained as it gets, on an emotional level. ]

... To be honest, I've completely forgotten what 'okay' even feels like. But, I... think, with you?

[ He pulls back, wiping his face. There's a tired kind of smile on his face. He leans forward, gently pressing his lips to Atsushi's - it's gentle and it lingers a bit. Yes, they're ghosts, but let him pretend, just for this. ]

I come a little closer to that.

[Atsushi understands that sort of drain, when it feels like you've felt so much so intensely it claws you out until you're empty and exhausted. That was him the last week, mourning, fearful and fretful, desperate for some sort of stability so he didn't hurt the people he'd come to care for.

He returns Goro's smile with a small one of his own, full of understanding and warm affection, and when Goro leans in he inhales just a little in surprise.

...That doesn't stop him from leaning into it though, pressing his forehead against his for a brief moment as he lingers with his lips brushing against Goro's.]

...I think it's the same for me when I'm with you.

[Goro was comfortable... he didn't worry as much when he was with him. It was... nice. Rare, in his life.

Maybe it was selfish of him, but he wanted this closeness to last.]

Edited 2019-07-24 07:54 (UTC)

[ The smile he gives after the returned kiss and the words is much, much softer than one he's ever given Atsushi before. Unfortunately, exhaustion doesn't give it much life, but at least there's something content there. Something soft and sweet. ]

... Well, this isn't how I wanted to ask, but no time like the present, I suppose.

[ Maybe it has a little to do with not wanting to deal with the anger and frustration he'd simply bottled up earlier. He's cried it out so he's just fine now. It's fine and they can move on.

R-right? ]

Is it... okay for me to call you my boyfriend?

[It's fine... more than fine. They were both exhausted, stressed, and struggling with their emotions right now. But Goro's smile warms him through, softening some of the jitters he's felt in his bones since Dazai had--

...It was better, like this. Focusing on Goro, on the present, on how sweet he was.]

I... if you really want to, then... I'd like that too, if I can call you mine.

[It's shyly said, a hint of nervousness. He's not used to being wanted, not like this. It's strange and exciting, but in a good way.]

[ At that, he takes Atsushi's hand, smiling gently as he interlocks their fingers. ]

I'm happy to be yours, Shi-kun. [ wink! ] Once... we're out of here-

[ Ah, seems there's something... there - easy to notice. Something flickering through his voice and expression: doubt. ]

-we should definitely go on a proper date. What kind of place would you choose? ... If you could go anywhere in the world.

Shi-kun now? [Atsushi's smiling a little brighter when Goro laces their fingers together, though it dims just slightly when he sees something in his expression he knows well.

....His smile softens again, an attempt to reassure as he squeezes Goro's hand with his own gently but firmly.]

...Is it bad I'd want you to pick the place? I'd want to go somewhere you like, maybe eat somewhere you've been before... I want to learn more about you, your likes and dislikes. The places and things that make you smile outside of this place.

[He wants to see more of Goro's world, the way he experiences it. Maybe it's silly and unimaginative, but...]

It's... that's probably not the kind of answer you want, but...

Edited 2019-07-24 09:09 (UTC)

[ There's the hint of a grin. ]

I picked '-chan' in hopes it... [ grin fading a bit ] ... might fluster you into forgetting what happened. I couldn't be sure of how it might happen, of course... but... I know any death of anyone I care about would only ever be bad...

[ He lifts Atsushi's hand to gently kiss the knuckles. ]

So, I suppose I was just hoping to help you in any way I could, from the afterlife.

[ That answer though? That has Goro's cheeks darkening. He stares at Atsushi for a moment, his expression softened in genuine surprise. ]

O-oh...

[ Now he's just shyly looking down, one hand lifting to brush his bangs back. Congrats, you've completely flustered him. ]

I-... I wouldn't mind that...

I... I like it. You giving me nicknames. It's... nice. It feels special.

[Personal, intimate. He'd never had those things before he came here, and though admittedly he did get called 'weretiger' a lot by Mafia members, he didn't consider that a nickname by far.

He flushes a little at the way Goro kisses his hand, now well aware that the gesture is far from platonic with him, and a warmth suffuses his gut for a moment. It feels good though... it makes him feel like something important. Precious.]

...Nothing could make me forget what happened or how, but... I-I did my best to think about your feelings.

[He doesn't want to talk about how he was after the game. There's an apology on the tip of his tongue, something he desperately wants to say, knows it probably isn't something Goro wants. It was his fault Goro had died, just a simple kiss, and another simple touch... it was...

But Goro is blushing so cutely, and he wants to feel that blush beneath his lips, see how warm his cheek is. And so he does, leaning in to press another kiss to his cheek.]

I've never really dated anyone before, so I don't really know what I'm supposed to do. But... I do know I want to spend more time with you.

[ Without a pause: ]

You're special...

[ There's a pause, however after the words. After the kiss, in fact. ]

Akira is the first person I dated, before you... So far, it isn't really any different from... what friendship is, just with the addition of kisses and... more.

[ He clears his throat, looking away for a moment. ]

It requires communication, however - being honest with one another. For example, with Akira and I, we have the agreement to always discuss anyone else either of us chooses to date.

[ He pauses for a moment... then leans to brush another kiss over Atsushi's lips. ]

The key is working together.

[There's a flush to Atsushi's cheeks, at being called special. He doesn't really think so, not when so many people here were so amazing, not when he was a mess on his best days and a danger to everyone around him at worst.

But it's reassuring, to hear that it isn't that different. To know he's probably not screwing things up... yet, anyway. He has no idea what he's doing, and even less when it involves how relationships like this work, and... He wants to be good for Goro. For Akira too, if he'll let him.

So communicating... it was about being mindful, wasn't it? And aware of each other. He leans into Goro's kiss, a soft, appreciative hum escaping him for a moment as he follows after they part, seeking another brush of lips.]

I can do that. I like you both... I don't want to mess this up.

[He wants to do that, at least. He'll do his best. Another brush of lips follows his words, and another, and--

that sure is a tail sneaking out to tuck itself around Goro. Atsushi only realizes when he feels the fur brush against his own wrist, and he pauses, hesitating.]

...T-Though... I should... probably tell you something, first.

[ There's a soft, appreciative laugh as the kiss is chased, even if there's something tired there. He brushes a thumb over Atsushi's lips. ]

I'm sure you won't. If anything-...

[ I'll mess it up...

His smile falters as he shakes his head - something to silently say "nevermind". He'd rather focus on something else. On someone way more important than he is. ]

Okay. Would you like to... go somewhere a little more private, or is here okay?

[ As private as it can get, anyway. ]

[It's a good thing Goro cuts himself off, because Atsushi would have Words for him about that. Many, many words.

As it stands, his cheeks are a little pink even as his eyes squeeze shut. He looks... embarrassed?

No, mortified, rather.]

....It's probably a better conversation to have where no one can overhear.

[The tip of his tail taps against Goro, almost nervous.]

But it's something I should tell you, I-If... If we're going to be boyfriends.

[ Oh...

... hm.

Goro's expression softens considerably as he tries to give the most reassuring smile he can manage. And he can't help caving to the desire to lightly run his fingers over the tail. Possibly to distract himself from the concern. ]

All right. Let's go.

[ He gently brushes a kiss over Atsushi's cheek, and then moves to stand. Without even hesitating, he reaches out to take the younger man's hand, ready to lead him away. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Round 4 graveyard

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject