nexuses | AYTO | Happily Ever After

AYTO | Happily Ever After

You are cordially invited to
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
for an interdimensional reunion.

The scene is a sprawling garden in an undisclosed dimension. Peach- and white-colored decorations dot the grounds from the outdoor furnishing to decorative balloons that highlight the block letters spelling out HAPPILY EVER AFTER in the center. Music plays in the background, gently in volume so as not to disrupt socialization, while strings of light hang from the arbors, trees, and tents that glow warmly once the sun dips into evening.

Surely you'll be wanting to meet all the former contestants present, whether they came alone or as half (or third) of a pair. Low tables with heart-shaped cushions have been arranged at the heart of the garden for socializing with a small twist: seats have been assigned via name cards, and each table houses at least one former contestant from each round to encourage mingling between seasons. Once you settle down, you'll notice another card on the center of the table that reads: INTRODUCE YOUR CASTMATE (OR YOURSELF IN THE ABSENCE OF ONE). How's that for an icebreaker? Overseers, in their infinite power, have the privilege of sitting anywhere. Make friends and merry as you partake of the catered food and drinks, of which alcoholic beverages will be served only to those of age.

Once the introductory meal has concluded, former contestants are herded over to tents with cozy furnishing in which to lay and spend time with loved ones and old friends. That's right—the tents are designated by seasons for some catching up between castmates. There's another card here that encourages everyone to SHARE ONE THING THAT'S CHANGED SINCE YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW. After this, you're free to visit other tents and mingle to your heart's content.

A stack of cards atop a garden stool on a modest stage contains the names of every perfect match to date. For what? Why, to play charades! You must play out the perfect match listed on the card you draw with your match while the rest of the former contestants take a guess. If half of a match declines to participate or isn't in attendance, another former contestant or an Overseer is welcome to fill in. What if you didn't watch the other rounds? Well, then it's time to make educated guesses, isn't it? (Cards are drawn at random in character, but can be decided between players or via wheel).

Dinner ushers in an evening of romance. Bistro lights illuminate the garden, and the stage is cleared for dancing the night away. Of course, you're free to do whatsoever your heart desires if you've something else in mind. This particular corner of the world is, at least for today, your very own oyster.

( ooc: This is a reunion log for all game rounds of AYTO to date. All characters, including Overseers, are welcome to participate. As the passage of time can vary between dimensions, the answer to the question of "how long after X round is this reunion?" also depends on the characters. I'm watching you, Minato and Kotone. Feel free to handwave seating assignments and add in whatever you fancy to the setting, and do check back periodically as there is no all-inclusive channel to post new top-levels. Last but not least, have fun! )

INTRODUCTIONS | REUNIONS: AYTO, HOLIDATE, PUPPYCRUSH | CHARADES

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[An introduction for his fellow contestants? Say no more. Cyrus launches into his recollection of all things Yoosung without further ado.]

Kim Yoosung is an aspiring animal doctor from South Korea and the youngest member of Rika's Fundraising Association, as well as a former member of the coffee club. He is a compassionate soul who hosts various events in order to raise funds for greater causes such as children's welfare, one's own health, and women's activism. His other hobbies include cooking, gaming, and conversing with friends.

Wow, I forgot I told you about the coffee club, hehe.

[Cyrus's Knowledge!! As always!! Their approaches to this were so different, but - you know what he's grateful for that, his AYTO run was super messy by comparison]

It's great to see you again.

[It certainly was a mess, and one Cyrus has no intention of airing. The show already did that for him. For Yoosung's sake, Cyrus will recall everything else.]

Just so.

[Keeping in touch is one thing. Getting to see everyone in the flesh once more is another.]

Now is the time for introductions, but I would be interested in hearing about your recent endeavors once it's past us.

Yeah, same. There's definitely a lot to catch up on.

[even if he is still single!!]

[Yoosung sits next to Cyrus, beaming as much as he can at the other three without having any idea of who they are - he has been going through a Lot the past year, forgive him for not watching the show. He's not really sure what to say at first. Because everything happens so much, time passed in a blink of an eye for him, so it's weird to think there are already two other seasons worth of guests. After a moment of staring into space sipping a colorful cocktail and trying to place himself back into his shoes at the end of his season, he clears his throat.]

It's nice to meet you all! Uh... hehe... this is Cyrus! He was like the wise older brother of our season, at least I think so.... Him and Aoko were the first match of our season and they always came to give advice about the matches. He's really smart and he's a professor! W-Was that good?

[He looks to him for reassurance, which is a way he has become used to looking to him during the game and over however much communication they would have had after.]

[Cyrus meets the familiar glance with his usual smile, calm and settled in their old routine.]

What a glowing introduction! And curious, too, for I am an only child. [Most call him by his title. Brotherly is a label he's only adopted since the show.] You flatter me, friend.

[He turns to the rest of the table.]

As Yoosung has said, I am a scholar and professor from the Royal Academy of Atlasdam. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

And yours as well.

[She'll just say this here, since it's right in the context of Cyrus being introduced...]

I am quite familiar with the feeling that Yoosung describes. I was living for several years with a girl who was twenty-two days my junior, but she had the poise and confidence of a Big Sis, so that is how I addressed her.

[Leaning in, perhaps as if to not focus on that example too much.] Forgive my lack of familiarity with the events of your season - have you any other close companions in addition to your partner? At your academy, perhaps?

I see. It is a matter of feeling as opposed to age or relation.

[The nature of that feeling eludes him, as he's far more accustomed to the concept of seniors in study, but the topic has shifted. By now he knows better than to pry and pry without pause.]

I have my peers in research, but none so close as Aoko is to me. Though I have an erstwhile colleague who once described us as "joined at the hip" when she still studied at the academy.

Attached at the hip? That is very close indeed.

[She got a faint impression in her blurry binge watch that Cyrus was very slow to become certain that someone had feelings for him, so she wonders if that colleague feels like she missed out. Well, Kizuna couldn't help her now.]

It is lovely that you and your Aoko are so close. Would you say that she shares in your studies even more greatly than that others, or perhaps it is a common experience more along the lines of hobbies, or lifestyle...?

[Oh, yes, very close. Odette was such a joyous colleague. A no small part of Cyrus misses the days when they did nigh everything together. All the same, a larger part of him respects her decision to move away from his homeland.]

I believe we share a passion for learning. Aoko is no scholar by trade, but she is a patient teacher and student nonetheless. While she masters the arcane arts under my tutelage, she critiques the faults in my communication when they arise.

Arise they might. [Her lips quirk in a smile. Being stuck in houses with their comrades sure made them both communicate a lot, that's for sure.] It is good to work hard at whatever challenge one is faced with... and wonderful that the field of the arcane can get new students.

[...does that mean widely available witchcraft to study? ...magic? Magic for Kizuna? No, that is too much to ask. Please ignore the sparkle in her eye.]

Do you [plural] intend to continue your studies forever as professors might, then?

The journey for knowledge is never-ending. I cannot speak for Aoko, but I find myself unable to imagine the day I stop learning.

[And he will not ignore the twinkle he saw in her eyes. In fact, he leans in closer.]

Are you interested in the arcane arts, Miss Kizuna?

[In the context of Cyrus introducing him as a philanthropist, Kizuna leans in eagerly.]

Then we have something in common! In fact, though I am far from ashamed of advocating for the disabled, I must admit that I am not well-versed in feminist activism. [Big and small book meme "nirvanA Initiative if Kizuna learned feminism".] Are there any sources of insight that you recommend?

That's great.

[It's a pretty soft smile that he gives in response to Kizuna's enthusiasm over philanthropy. Despite everything that's happened, charity is still something very meaningful to him, especially since their coordinator is making every effort to raise morale and keep the association active. A good thing because dear god let her learn feminism. He's still a little surprised she's asking him about that, though.]

Oh...! Like about the actual movement? Well, we've always fundraised for the Korean Foundation for Women, but it might be difficult for you to follow them where you're going back...

[Yoosung considers for a moment, then realizes they are not on the actual show anymore so he should still have wifi. He holds up his phone, excited by the idea!]

What if we look for a good book together? [he is googling in Korean so he will eventually come back with Flowers of Fire by Hawon Jung]

It is true that I would not be best positioned to assist that particular organization. Rather, feminism is such a broad movement that I am not sure from which point to even begin...

[She nods warmly, deciding to be comfortable looking at his phone close together. It's nice that Yoosung is gentle and that Kizuna has been able to temper her skittishness.]

Yes, I am sure this is of great value. Hm. It seems that many different women have been given the strength to share their emotions here. [She takes out her own phone to carefully transcribe the letters of the (possibly common) title and author before putting it away again.] Thank you very much. I hope that to help me is not dwelling too much on hardships.

[Kizuna delicately lowers herself onto one of the cushions.

...her eyes look tired a lot of the time and a pinkness can't be entirely hidden now - it might be the alternative makeup that has a bit less of a shimmer, it might be the long trip out here during which Kizuna binged what she could of the shows. There were other??? Shows?????? Some with teenagers??? She quietly takes in this table where she's the only representative of her own season, and even though that's a perfectly natural result of having five at a table, it feels like a lot. Especially with just how detailed and lively some of these descriptions are.]

I am... Kizuna Chieda. I had the honor of knowing Kuruto Ryuki prior to our admission into the program. However, over the course of my time there... I formed a relationship with Ferdinand von Aegir, and it is in his world that I am exploring a new purpose. I am an advocate for children in need, with my main focus on accessibility in the new public schools. So it is a delight to meet such kind souls, as I am always happy to learn more from the gift that is life.

[Seriously! They put her at the "charity and college" table!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

AYTO | Happily Ever After

CYRUS & YOOSUNG, KIZUNA, EMIL & ROXAS

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