sticksandbones | EVENT & TDM 012

EVENT & TDM 012

IT'S GONNA BE MAY

WAKE UP

You open your eyes, and with a jolt, find yourself within the clearing of a miniscule town surrounded by trees and thick, black fog. Despite the ominous backdrop, nature seems to be thriving — it’s a pleasantly chill spring day, as far as anyone can tell, and everything is vibrant and blooming… even some of the animals. At some point, a friendly old dog with red fur approaches, carrying a basket in his jaws. Inside are blackberries and apples other fruits. Did he find this himself? Or did someone give them to him to bring to new arrivals? Regardless, he very clearly hopes that you’ll share.

A giant golden brown turtle sits by a tent, napping in the sunlight. Two statues sit in the courtyard by an old well — a haloed woman marked as the Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe, and a gentle woman looking adoringly at her counterpart, marked as the Goddess of the Moon, Ourania. If you pay your respects, the air feels gentle and warm in the day, and like a fresh cool breeze at night.

As you explore more, perhaps the bloomed animals will approach — a mossy squirrel, or a frog who happens to also be a lilypad. It’s charming, almost. Whimsical and kind.

Shame that the wall of fog looms ever on, watching. Waiting.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

cw: hallucinations, compulsions, near-death experiences

For a while, spring seems gentle, almost. Peaceful. The previous month may have been full of jokes, but things are actually safe. Of course, that can’t last forever. Every night, a purple, shimmering mist floods the town. It does not breach the doors and windows, even if left open, but looking at it is… enticing.

Should you give in, the mist is cool and gentle, swaying around you like smoke. The longer you stay in, the more your eyes feel blissfully heavy. Soon, you find yourself surrounded by loved ones, in a place that brings you joy — a childhood home, a vacation spot, some place warm and safe and dear to your heart. Everyone is playing and having so much fun. Join them! Join them!

Of course, by the time you do jump into the fun, you’ll find yourself awakened with a start, just about to fall into danger. Perhaps you climbed a tree and were about to leap to the ground from too high up. Or maybe you stuck your head in the river and your lungs were about to empty. Regardless, the happy dream shatters with imminent danger, and perhaps you’d better hope that someone else is nearby to help you. … Especially since with each night you give in, the more enticing the mist is the next night.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

At some point, the mist is forcibly dissipated and instead the moon shines brightly, almost like a spotlight. Investigation will reveal an absurdly large capybara that seems more like a vehicle than an animal, even with the jasmine flowers hanging off of it, siting down with the ‘door’ accessible to anyone willing to climb in.

“Come with me, and I will bring you to a night of festivities.” is all that it says when asked. And it knows that you will — you’re all curious as kittens, after all. Once the last person takes a fuzzy seat within the capybara, it slowly stands up and begins walking through the woods, and for the first time, everything seems peaceful. Normal, even. Why, there’s not even a monster or misshapen, grabby tree! Just a moonlit forest, and fireflies in the distance.

Eventually it brings you to a small but beautiful cabin, crouching down to let everyone out again. Outside is a layer of marble surrounded by pillars decorated with sheer fabrics and an abundance of lilies and calendula, jasmine and marigolds, hydrangeas and gladiolus. A buffet table has also been spread out, and within the cabin are changing rooms with a multitude of ornate gowns and suits, alongside sitting rooms and other potential necessities — though you get the feeling that you should still be on your best behavior here.

Gentle music plays from an unknown source. The capybara is resting, until it’s time to leave come sunrise. For one night, everything is at peace. You may as well enjoy it, and dance to your heart’s content.

SPARK NOTES

CLICK TO EXPAND!

WAKE UP

Welcome to Aldric's Grove! The fog wall is a little creepy, but worry not: A dog has brought you a snack, and the plant-bearing wildlife are pretty friendly. If you've been here for a while, no worry: You, too, are getting a basket of treats from the dog.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

A purple mist fills the Grove at night, and stepping into it makes you experience a euphoric dream... shortly before you wake up because you nearly walked into death. Be careful, because the mists are addicting, and you may not have an easy time avoiding their temptation the following nights.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

For one night, the mists clear up and peace settles over the forest. A giant capybara gleefully takes everyone to the site of a grand dance, where the clothing and food are all free, and the music swells with joy. Dance your hearts out until dawn breaks, and then the capybara will take you back home.

OOC

Happy May! This is a reminder that TDMs are game canon. Enjoy your dreams, enjoy your prom night, enjoy the capybara. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out!

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Nick!!

[Once more, his wings flutter, and his body stiffens up. He turns to shoot a scandalized glance at Wolfwood. It takes him a second to actually relax in his presence, feeling the heat of his palm against bare skin. It... really doesn't leave much to the imagination, does it?]

I think I'm just fine with going out there and having a good, clean time, thank you.

[And to emphasize this, he nudges Wolfwood with his hip playfully.]

[Don't you "Nick" him, let him have a little fun alright!!

And no, it really does not. But that's what he said he liked about it, so he isn't going to give Vash too much more of a hard time. For now, anyway.

Instead, he smirks as Vash bumps their hips together, prompting him to roll his eyes playfully as they head off to join everyone else already mingling, dancing, or eating.]

That'll be a first, with our track record. Though I imagine you just wanna see the food first.

[The closer they draw to the crowd, the more Vash presses against Wolfwood. It's a little nervewracking, being around so many people. He can't forget what happened, how the Forest had used someone else it had corrupted in a similar situation. His heart picks up, beating heavy enough that he can taste it in his throat.]

F-food? [Give him a second.] Right. Yeah. Food would be really nice right about now.

[Give him a distraction, something to stuff his face with so he cant say or do anything stupid. Given enough snacks, he can probably smother the anxiety welling within his chest, right?]

[Wolfwood nods, letting Vash stay as close to him as he wants. Honestly, it helps Wolfwood as much as it helps Vash, since he's notoriously bad at being social at these kinds of things. He'd rather just wallflower, if left to his own devices.

He will tilt his head to one side so he can murmur between them as they approach the refreshments.]

If you ever wanna bail, we can. Just lemme know.

[He appreciates the offer more than he can articulate. Not that it's surprising that Wolfwood might want to leave an event like this quickly. His poor chest being confined certainly doesn't help.]

I'll keep it in mind. But for now - [He does manage to pull slightly ahead of Wolfwood. There's a tiny cake that he's eyeing, and he promptly picks up two. The second is held out to Wolfwood.]

C'mon. Try it. Gotta get some energy in us before we dance, right?

[The smile might be slightly forced, but Wolfwood's presence has at least put him in much better spirits.]

[He's never been this long with his titties covered up, someone help him.

That much he can ignore well enough for now at least, letting Vash step ahead of him in lieu of getting to the table faster. He raises a brow but takes the cake anyway, knowing it's going to be cloyingly sweet long before he takes a bite. Vash will enjoy it, and that's what matters.

...yea, no, it's even sweeter than he imagined.]

Sure. Yaknow sometimes I wonder where you got that sweet tooth of yours from. Were donuts just all you ate on the road?

[Vash is already shaking his head. He looks amused, like this is the most ridiculous question Wolfwood could have asked him]

Naw, not just donuts!

[He says this before shoving three cakes into his mouth at once. At least he has the decency to not try to talk while he's doing his best impression of a squirrel. Just let him gnaw on these for a bit, swallow, and then - ]

I had pizza, too!

Oooh right. And pizza, my bad.

[He rolls his eyes good naturedly, actually eating a little less like he thinks somebody's going to take it from him if he doesn't eat it fast enough. Not to say he's any less messy with it, but hey. He knew he was a slob, sue him.]

Yaknow you're lucky you're not human, I dunno if my body coulda' survived that.

[But Wolfwood pizza covers at LEAST three of the major food groups therefore-]

Hey! You never know! It coulda done you some good! [He reaches over and pinches at Wolfwood's waist.] You might be all muscle, but you're not very broad! Imagine what an even bigger chest could have done for you!

[He falls silent, eyes closing as he dreams of a Wolfwood with wide shoulders, a snatched waist, and even bigger tits. Too bad that could never happen.]

Thankfully, I love you as you are.

[Even if he is distracted by the image in his mind.]

[Wolfwood snorts as he reaches across the table for a glass of punch, which is thankfully blessedly tart to combat all of the sweets they're consuming.]

Is "broad" your way of kindly sayin' I coulda' been chubbier than I am now?

[If Tristamp loved me, anyway-

If his tone is any indication though, he wouldn't have cared either way. Would have maybe helped him to survive better, if he was.]

Well, it'd be healthier! For all your talk of eating and chomping down sweets, you're a little thin in the skin!!

[But for now, he lets the topic drop. Instead, he ambles closer, laying his head against Wolfwood's shoulder. He cranes his neck just enough to press a kiss to his throat, perhaps even presses his teeth there just enough leave an impression.]

I'm jokin' though. Love you the way you are, you know that. I hope you know that.

[His hand dips down to grab one more cake, shoving it clean into his mouth before looping both of his lower arms around Wolfwood's waist.]

C'mon, lesh dance!

[...god damn it Vash you can't just do that to him and then drag him off, what the fuck!!!

Wolfwood hardly gets a chance to respond, to either Vash's words or being kissed like that, because he's being grabbed and swept towards the dance floor.]

Tch. You're-

[He trails off initially as he stumbles after Vash, his hands ending up on his waist the moment they finally come to a stop proper on the dance floor. He huffs after that, pressing a kiss to Vash's lips so he can taste the icing from that cake he just inhaled.]

Fine. I guess I'll believe you.

[Wolfwood teases, nudging the broad side of his nose against Vash's.]

But only cause I know you'll save me from makin' a fool of myself out here.

[Oh, Vash is absolutely grinning into the kiss. He sticks his tongue out after Wolfwood pulls back, the perfect picture of impishness. His brows are practically touching his hairline.]

And here I thought you didn't like sweet things! [Oh, that laugh is as evil as it gets. Or at least as evil as Vash can get. Which isn't that evil but. Work with me here.]

You might be makin' a bad choice here, though. [He glances down toward his very long legs, then laughs once more. This time, it's a hint more breathless, perhaps even a little nervous.] See, I can't say I know all that much about dancing. And I'm even more clumsy than ever.

[But hey, he wraps his arms around Wolfwood's shoulders and at least starts to sway. It isn't much, but at least they're moving together?]

I guess you're a sweet thing I'll never get tired of.

[Gross.

Wolfwood will settle into the motion readily though, mostly because he feels steady enough on his feet with Vash holding on to him. Between Vash being tall and lanky, and Wolfwood being down a foot, they're like two halves of an entire person.

The one thing he resents is the fact that since Vash is so tall now, he can't easily rest his head against his chest while they dance. This is an affront to him specifically-]

At least if we're both gonna be idiots out here, we can do it together, yeah?

[That was probably the cheesiest thing Wolfwood could have said. Which of course means that Vash is melting. So much so that he actually does a little dance in place, tippy-tapping his feet. And hey, the good thing about having extra arms is that he can keep hold of Wolfwood with one set while the other presses to his cheeks.]

Aww, Nick! Who said you could be so cute!

[Yes, this interrupted their dance. Yes, Wolfwood's toes might have gotten in the way. Sorry, buddy, you brought this on yourself. He at least calms down relatively quick, long enough to check on Wolfwood and, you know, also return to their dance.]

B-but yeah! We can be idiots together. Out here, back in the grove, wherever you want for as long as you want. Promise!

[Well fortunately for Vash, Wolfwood’s only got the one foot to be stomped on currently (he still grumbles about it like ow), and the way he dances in place is cute enough that he isn’t bothered. Vash is lowering his standards to the earth’s core the longer he spends time with him, I swear to god.]

Mmm, m’gonna be holdin’ you to that.

[Comes his reply as he turns Vash around, taking it upon himself to dip him slightly back as best he’s able when Vash is still taller than him, honestly it probably looks a little goofy to anyone watching.

Because yes, he is talking partially about Vash’s old penchant for disappearing out of nowhere, of running away and leaving people behind to pick up the pieces. He isn’t so cruel as to say that with words anymore though; he thinks Vash has heard that enough.]

[For just a brief moment, Vash's heart swoops. He stares up at Wolfwood, beaming at him like he hung the stars. His grin is wild, joyful even. For just a scant second, all of the worries gnawing at the back of his mind disappear -

- and then comes crashing back in once more. He winces as he processes the double edge of those words. He knows he doesn't have the best track record, and maybe the reminder smarts just a little. It isn't like he doesn't deserve it.

He raises himself up, even before Wolfwood pulls him up. Right now, he doesn't care about dancing. He pulls Wolfwood in, buries his face in his hair, and just lingers there.]

I'll do my best.

[Because he knows he can't make that promise, especially not to Wolfwood. He doesn't trust himself enough for all of that. But he can at least try, right?]

[One of these days, Wolfwood will get it right. He'll manage to say something without cutting poor Vash deep in the aftermath. Honestly, he doesn't even realize until after he's said it that maybe he could have just opted to not, but at least he's attentive enough to Vash in particular that he can tell maybe that wasn't the best thing to go with.

It's why, when Vash suddenly pulls up out of the dip and hugs him like that that Wolfwood fully stops and reflects, wrapping his arms around him in return. One hand finds its way where it usually ends up, buried in the back of his hair, while the other keeps him held close somewhere on his back without pressing on his wings too hard.

He's so different. Everything is so different than it's meant to be. But he's accepted it, because it's part of Vash now, for better or worst.]

Thank you. Whatever happens now, y'know I'm with ya every step of the way, blondie.

[Does he really deserve this? The transformation, certainly. This is punishment for everything he's done wrong, especially to the people he's loved. But the kindness, the promise to never turn his back on Vash no matter what? That doesn't seem fair. All he's done is run from Wolfwood, abandon him the second things got hard. To receive unconditional support despite all of that... it chafes against Vash.]

I really don't deserve you.

[Maybe if he's lucky enough, Wolfwood won't hear it. Vash barely spoke above a whisper, so there's really no reason for Nick to suspect anything. He even makes sure to follow his words up with a toothy grin, all light and airy once more.]

All I know is that we're gonna have to be extra careful! Can't have these teeth chomping down on extra sensitive parts. Then you'll be the one growin' wings!

[Maybe he heard it, maybe he didn't. It doesn't matter, because Wolfwood doesn't comment on it either way, instead letting the moment remain sincere. So when Vash does speak again, he can't help but chuckle under his breath.]

Have I ever been anythin' but careful?

[It's said wryly, because he knows just how much the opposite is true. He may not be anywhere near as chaotic as Vash, but he sure gets damn close sometimes.]

It'll be alright. I ain't gonna let a lil' corruption stop me from lovin' on you.

Yes, Nick. Every single day of our lives.

[Said with the most thick, schmoopy lay of affection. With each word, Wolfwood steadily draws Vash out of his own mind, whether he knows it or not. Yes, the worry still lingers, but he can't eat himself alive with dread when Nick says such ridiculous things to him]

There's a reason you're my other half, baby. And it's not because you knock sense into me time to time. You also get me riled up!

[His joy does falter briefly, eyes flickering away.]

I'm serious though, Nick. I wouldn't forgive myself if I hurt you.

Yeah...I know.

[Wolfwood leans in, once more resting their foreheads gently together.]

We'll do everythin' we can to make sure that don't happen.

[He doesn't want to promise it won't. Accidents can still happen at any time, after all.]

And before you know it, we'll have found a cure, and you'll be wonderin' why you were so worried about it in the first place.

Yeah, you're right.

[He isn't exactly comforted by this. Elsword was infected for months before Vash arrived, and it hadn't seemed like any progress had been made. The last thing he wants is to keep the mood down, though, so he just smiles on through.]

Until then, we'll just take extra precautions. No problem!

[And even if he doesn't sound fully convinced, he can just distract Wolfwood with a kiss. No problem!]

[Extra precautions...Wolfwood doesn't yet realize how literal Vash is going to get with those.

But for now. He coaxes Vash back into movement again, sweeping him slowly across the dance floor.]

Then let's not worry about that right now. Dance with me.

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EVENT & TDM 012

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