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

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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.

Mon ami! My congratulations, your Majesty!!

[ SEIZES HIS HANDS. ]

[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?

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?

[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.

Well, given that you two are staying together, I'd say your life is already his.

[ Ideally without long flowery speeches, but. You know. Rutile. ]

[Ideally Rutile will have a surplus of long flowery speeches for the rest of their existences, because that means his heart will be full and warm.]

Yes, you're right. In fact, I should like to . . .

[He shakes his head, inwardly chiding himself for his impatience.]

Such words ought to be heard by Rutile himself first.

Fine with me. Make sure to tell him coherently, all right?

[ She'd say "concise", but Roland doesn't look like the type. ]

[There is no version of Roland who will simply say, "Will you marry me?" and leave it at that. Coherently is right, just as he was right to think that Dominique would understand as he wraps his hands around hers.]

You have my word.

My mind is clear now—clearer than it has ever been. The least I can do for Rutile's heart is to convey what I carry in mine with the utmost clarity.

[ In response, Dominique smiles fondly and brings their hands up, to deposit a light kiss on the top of his. ]

Then I feel as though you'll do just fine. It's not the easiest thing to have a clear mind--rather, it's next to impossible sometimes. I know you won't let it go to waste, Roland.

I shan't let you down.

[No longer is he the man who cowered from such statements. Roland will graciously accept her vote of confidence and run with it like a madman when the time comes.]

Now, is there aught you'd like to share since our appearance on television? Aside from the matter of Barok, that is.

[He is happy to hear about Barok, but he'd also like to hear about how Dominique is doing.]

Mm... not much has changed for me, except that I am absolutely convinced I'd rather move to London than remain in Paris.

[ Like. Vampires are assholes in Vampire Paris. ]

[Is it still so bad? That saddens him.]

Is something preventing you from relocating?

(no subject)

dominooo - 2023-05-02 04:21 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

duskspear - 2023-05-03 08:54 (UTC) - Expand

[ 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 ]

[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.]

[ 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.

[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?

[ rutile has thoughts of his own when he observes that little pause of roland's, noting it with a slight lift of their joined hands.

with all the time they've spent together, he's gotten better and more comfortable reading all of roland's little tells (even more than those weeks they've been thinking of). so it's with little hesitation that he says: ]

You're thinking of something.

[ though he doesn't push, as always. he... can be sure roland will let him know. and, also, there's— ]

But, you know I wouldn't say no to spending time with you.

[ —a request. excuse him as he plants a quick kiss on roland's lips, as he's gotten so used to doing. not that it makes him any less glad to do it. ]

Should we go now?

[He is, yes. And he isn't at all afraid to show as much with the knowing narrowing of his eyes. He's thinking of something; Rutile is aware; and one day Roland will share what's been on his mind since the day dawn truly broke over Glenbrook.

That he wishes to give his time to Rutile . . .

For now, he accepts the peck with the squeeze of Rutile's hand.]

We'll go when it suits you. I imagine you'll be wanting to know how everyone else has been faring.

Whoooahhh!!

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

[Whooooahhh!

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

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

[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!

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.

[A lifetime, huh? Correction: he is still the same at his core, but he has Seen Some Shit. She's still getting a little smile about it though.]

That was really something special. I'd have been pissed if you forgot just 'cause you're now a monarch!

[It's quietly sinking in how wild that is. Making out with a king was so not on her bingo card for that or any year. She will take a gander at his crown if he brought it though.]

Sounds like your happiness was hard earned. But the hard is what makes it great, right? Either way, it seems like you grew as a person.

[She doesn't really know what he went through to get there, and she doesn't have to know. To hear Roland speak of any kind of pride in reference to himself is good enough as a development!]

[He expels a mirthful breath. Perish the thought. Zapper is an extraordinary woman. That moment is special to him and he'll cherish it to the end of his days.

Unfortunately, the crown is back home. Catching up notwithstanding, he's here foremost as Roland the contestant. Still, the mention of it all propels him to clench an impassioned fist. Though it pains him that the hard had to be shouldered by his subjects, he won't give up on happiness for everyone—himself included.]

A new age has dawned. No longer will I cower from uncertainty. Instead, I shall stand tall and greet it with the fervor it is due and friends at my side.

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