AYTO | Happily Ever After

[igiko]

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

Comments

HOLIDATE

[igiko]

[duskspear]

I'm happy to see that everyone is well.

[At a glance, anyway. He doesn't know what's been going on in their lives. In fact, he hasn't visited anyone or exchanged much in the way of messages. Seeing everyone here and now, though, he can smile brightly before old friends.]

Much has changed since our participation in the show. [He pauses, and this is where the obligatory warning for minor but late Triangle Strategy spoilers rears its head:] Most of all, I am no longer the second prince, but King of Glenbrook.

[dominooo]

Mon ami! My congratulations, your Majesty!!

[ SEIZES HIS HANDS. ]

[duskspear]

[His hands, they are seized.]

Thank you, Dominique. The road to kingship was by no means easy, but I was able to come this far with the help of good friends and allies.

[There was certainly a lot of bloodshed—too much of it. But that's neither here nor there during these celebratory times.]

I trust all has been well with you and Barok?

[dominooo]

He's managed to become a little less stiff, so I'd count that as a victory.

[ It took some time. Some effort. But whew. ]

Truly, we're fine. Being able to spend time together outside of the show has been tremendously helpful. And you and Rutile?

[duskspear]

[That is a victory. He hopes Barok is happier for it, too. They both deserve the happiness after all they've had to endure.]

Rutile stood by my side when I thought myself bereft of hope. Words cannot express how grateful I am . . . I owe him my life and more.

[equillibriums]

[ hey i'm here for my rutile and roland making out in the corner


on a more serious note, of course rutile is here with roland! hearing the introduction isn't a surprise at all, but, you know. once it's done and he's caught up with everyone, rutile's coming over to take roland's hand. ]

It's nice to see everyone, isn't it?

[ EVERYONE IS RIGHT THERE ]

[duskspear]

[Everyone is right there, but who's listening?

If they are, let them. Roland simply wraps his fingers around Rutile's hand with a wider smile.]

It is. So much has changed, yet it feels like we've gone back in time. How are you feeling?

[This is at least double, if not triple, the number of people from their season. By now he knows very well how tough the crowd can be on Rutile.]

[equillibriums]

[ roland's consideration is always something. rutile smiles upon receiving it, offering a reassuring squeeze in tandem with a smile.

back in time is certainly one way to put it. he feels the nostalgia, and he'd say his feelings for roland have gotten even stronger since then... not that he wasn't aware of that fact before coming here again. ]

Wonderful. [ with full sincerity. ] I'd say it's the garden that helps, but I think it's mostly everyone gathered like this...

[ oh, wait for it. ]

... It makes me remember how happy I am to have met you.

[duskspear]

[His expression softens, glad for the answer and all that is Rutile. After everything they've endured together, he'll never be able to muster enough words to express his own happiness over their intersecting paths. He may as well weep in joy every time he's to try.]

And I, you.

[Surrounded by familiar faces, the memories of those weeks rush back to him. They give him a rush of his own, and he almost blurts the words on the tip of his tongue then, only to pause when he opens his mouth. His parted lips curl into a fond smile instead.]

What say you to walking the gardens together?

[lightguns]

Whoooahhh!!

[I mean how else is she supposed to react to that]

[duskspear]

[Whooooahhh!

Roland lights up at the sound of Zapper's voice.]

It's been quite some time, Zapper. How fare things?

[lightguns]

[She can see being King hasn't changed him much... that's good. Zapper is mildly amused.]

They're cool, but don't change the subject to me yet. That was a huge announcement, ya know? Last time we saw each other you were worried you weren't gonna have anything to do!

[duskspear]

It feels like a lifetime ago that we first met . . . I still remember that moment by the fireworks.

[There's no way he could forget. He exhales softly.]

The crown weighs heavy on my head. But it is a weight I shoulder with pride for my subjects and those who've given so much for me to be where I am today.

[chintamani]

Hmm, my hair is longer? [ That's true but it's also a simple thing, because he is still Roka (his hair isn't quite ridiculous memshare length but it's to his midback now). Also, time is fake for Gods? ]

Oh, and I now how to replenish my stones now.

[ Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned that one, but he is always here to follow expectations, even those of a simple card. ]

[duskspear]

That is good news!

[Roland sounds sincerely excited about this—enough so that he stands up for the exclamation before sitting back down.]

And the length suits you. Do you intend to grow it out even more?

[chintamani]

[ ...roland! Well at least it's not followed by any flowery words, so as much as Roka looks like he's dying just a little, he manages a sheepish smile. ]

I do. I like it long, not because it's how I had it in the past, I just like it. [ That distinction is important. ]

[duskspear]

[Roka!

Roland nods. It reminds him of Nagiko's story in a way. More importantly, it gladdens him to hear hat Roka is pursuing what sparks joy in him.]

What else have you been enjoying since the show concluded?

[equillibriums]

[ love how the magic rock thing is an afterthought. but rutile looks pleased to hear it all, of course. ]

Did you...? That's wonderful, Roka. The ones you gave me are still sitting at the highest spot in my classroom; the children say good morning to you every day.

[ as rutile has no doubt told roka when he found a wonderful spot for them... he does take them home every night, of course, when school lets out for the day. he won't leave them alone. ]

And your hair looks so lovely... If it gets any longer, I can put it into the ponytail again!

[chintamani]

[ We'll assume hes settled after momentarily dying at the introduction table. He's still feeling kind of flustered because even though he can't forget how Rutile is (and he has no doubt visited at least once), it's really something else every time. Rutile is powerful like that, more than any wish granting stone, at least to Roka. ]

...I know. I can hear them and feel you, when I close my eyes. [ Roka is also still Roka and will continue to just speak Like This but. It's pretty accurate tbh. The stones are pieces of him, his very essence, no matter how far from them he is. ]

I remember what you doing my hair felt like too.

[sleepingthorny]

Oh, how serendipitous that is!

[Kizuna is wearing a big pink synthetic kanzashi in her side braid because it's hanami season. She fishes something out of her bag. It's a pretty similar green kanzashi! She hands it to Roka!]

I had been shopping in advance of this event, and when I saw this, you came to mind!

[chintamani]

[ First of all, the kanzashi is very pretty. Second of all, Roka is visibly quite surprised, in a good way. It means it takes him a second to accept, but when he does, he cradles it carefully between his hands much like a jewel. ]

You got this... just for me?

[sleepingthorny]

[He's got his arms lifted up so his sparkly jewels are on display. Wow. Kizuna knows this was the right choice.]

Yes. You may keep it. In fact, I insist that you do so. I refuse any other use for it.

[Roka still brings out her blunt side...]

[pimpplan]

Just trying to cop my style with the new hair, hmm? [ pauses to push his hair back behind his shoulder ] I don't blame you, it's a killer look.

[ is he serious? is he just kidding? who knows! ]

[chintamani]

I think I had my hair like this before you.

[ Think he says, with the implication that may Zelos is just as ancient as he is? Or it's just Roka being Roka. ]

I don't want to kill anyone though.