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sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
EVENT & TDM 016
A CREEPING FURY SETTING IN
WAKE UP
You don’t recall how you got here. Hell, you’re barely sure “why” you’re here in the first place. But the fact is, by the time you come to your senses, you’re already standing in line out in front of a tent with a big sign on it: FREE STUFF! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
At some point as the summer fades into autumn, something in the air changes. The surrounding woods and its foggy walls have felt tenser than usual, like something is waiting for you to slip and fall into jaws just waiting to snap shut around your flesh — but nothing happens. Not initially, at least. But keen eyes will soon see a plethora of fairies, long sleeves dangling over razor-sharp claws like a praying mantis’s arms, hair tied back in loose buns, all wearing masks with a single watchful eye painted upon them. As your gazes meet, they giggle and disperse.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
cw: supernatural parasitism & energy/life-force draining
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
DON’T LOOK BACK
… But regardless of the hostility from the forest, the game must come to an end eventually. And in return for surviving, upon whatever throne he sits upon, the Black Sun offers the world a bit of power as the victims recover — those who perish to the monsters will awaken within their beds, unable to remember anything for a total 24 hours and with floral growths blooming around their scars — but after the initial panic, those who can will confirm that there is no Corruption in these wounds. They may fade, or they may not. Those who survive the month will only carry whatever injuries and weariness they gained over time.
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
WAKE UP
Welcome to Aldric's Grove! New and old residents alike are being gifted free, joke magic items from Ydalir's tent while she does her autumn cleaning. Please take these, she's desperate.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
Little insect-faeries watch your every move. Suddenly, from the barrier, you're being attacked by various monsters trying to capture you and drag you off. Better run. Better hide.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
If you're caught, you'll be dragged to become food for a large tree that drains your life force directly. If you aren't rescued in time, you'll die slowly and peacefully.
DON’T LOOK BACK
Those of you who die will come back the next day with temporary amnesia lasting 24 hours. It'll clear up after, and all of your memories will come back as if with magic. But, in the end, you've won the game, and that means ample rewards: More fruit trees, and the River Guardian growing more powerful after all this time.
OOC
Welcome to September's TDM! Reminder that all TDMs are game canon. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out! We have several toplevel comments below for randomizing any result you want this month, including the magic items from Ydalir if you're having a hard time making something up.
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
SUBMISSIONS
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He kisses the side of Affogato's head gently, huffing again. He'll always be here, forever. He won't let him feel like that again. ]
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Then he sinks his teeth into Mizuki's shoulder. It's just a gentle bite, all things considering, dampened by clothing but it's also got a lot of meaning behind it. It's been a month. He's missed him. The feeling, the weight, the very touch of him.
He feels almost feral for it. ]
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But he isn't. If anything, he's relieved to have Mizuki here. And oh how Mizuki wants to tell him how he feels too. If he could just utter out an "I love you"... The very few of his tendrils that aren't wrapped around Affogato are pushing aside things that are in Affogato's path - rocks and leftover foliage from Callan's rain and even eventually the door to the bathhouse when they arrive. The ones that are around the other, though? They're just tracing small hearts against him to let him know he's here now and everything will be okay. He's sorry that he was stuck out in the woods. He wants to be soothing and comforting because he knows that Affogato had had a much worse month than he did, but it still felt miserable to not be at his side.
The bite catches him off-guard. It shouldn't have, but there's a little gasp, anyway. But the message is very well received. He missed him, too. The marks he'd had previously were faded now, and he's no good with make-up to cover up the suns. He's make the marks Affogato had gotten from him fresh in turn, but even if his clothes are already dirty and tattered, he doesn't dare make it worse.
He does, however, continue to press kisses into the side of Affogato's head, each one lingering for longer than the last. ]
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He would fall again and again if given the chance. As terrifying as it was, this moment here makes it all worth it.
Carefully - once they're inside the bath house - he pulls his head back, releasing the hold and gently rests their forehead together. ]
Hm... as I do not wish to let you go- my clothes, if you would?
[ What's left of them, caked and ratted as they are. He will need to buy new ones, sadly, there's no mending these back to the way they were. And he truly means he does not want to let Mizuki go, just as tightly as Mizuki clings, Affogatos arms haven't budged an inch. Even if he is rapidly losing that adrenaline burst of energy, trembling setting in. ]
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He feels bad that he couldn't plan this better. A feast or a nest of pillows and blankets and freshly cleaned clothes on his arrival... He can't think about that now, though. He'll just fret over him for a moment and get him to just be for a moment. Mizuki should probably be the one carrying him, right?
He'll only help to remove the tattered garb once he's sitting, just to make sure he can check on Affogato and make sure everything is alright. He even pulls his phone out here. ]
« Are you hurt anywhere? »
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His eyes have drifted closed by the time he's free. There are no injuries visible, thanks to Pure Vanilla. No scratches, no bruises. Just the signs of a months worth of slim eatings and the lack of sleep. The familiar tapping of the phone makes him pry his eyes open to read, and he manages a smile. ]
Thankfully no. The one good thing about that goat being a healer.
[ He reaches up to cup Mizuki's face gently, fingers stroking just to touch. ]
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And, of course, he's incredibly respectful when he does manage to undress Affogato - only checking for injuries and only touching what he needs to, overall looking away until he can just stare at Affogato's face. He presses his face very intently into his hand, twisting it just enough to press a kiss right against his palm. ]
« You must be so hungry. Do you want me to leave you to bath alone while I make you something...? » [ Something Mizuki doesn't exactly want to do. He wants to cling to Affogato and never let go right now, actually. He wants to cocoon him in tendrils until he feels safe again. He wants to ease his trembling and shaking with nuzzles and kisses. Wants to chew on him until he's covered in marks so the Forest knows not to mess with him again...
But he also wants to give Affogato the peace of mind that Mizuki won't stay if he'll be uncomfortable. ]
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And yet. Like Mizuki, he doesn't want the other to leave. Nor does he seem to be body shy. He isn't anyways, but he appreciates the respect Mizuki gives him, knowing him as he does. So he decides to ignore his grumbling stomach and shakes his head, letting a playfully coy look cross his face. He needs to make himself feel a little better and what better way than to fluster his little sweetheart? ]
And miss you climbing into the bath with me? Absolutely not. My stomach can wait, but this moment is special, and I do not wish to end it yet. Join me?
[ That, at least, is sincere. ]
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But, of course, Mizuki is ever predictable. Not only is he going to listen to what Affogato wants above all else, but he does instantly fluster at his words. There's a sort of endeared sigh, partially born of worry that Affogato hadn't been eating well and the need to fix that, but then also the adoration to think even something like this is something he considers "special". Jokes on Affogato, though, any time they spend together is special to Mizuki. Regardless of how it's spent...
He nods, at last, tapping on his phone again. ]
Can you walk alright? I wouldn't mind carrying you.
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A flick of his gaze to the phone, which has become second nature to him. ]
I can manage, worry not. I am not dead yet.
[ Though he feels like it, as he gets back to his feet, leaning down to press a kiss to Mizuki's head. Then gently ushers him towards one of the baths because Gods know he loves you, Mizuki, but he is dirty. He is itchy. It's driving him insane. He needs to be clean yesterday. ]
Tell me of what has occurred this last month?
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Mizuki takes a few things from the bench before leaving — towels and two robes for after their bath, making sure to have extra towels on hand in case Affogato wanted his hair wrapped afterwards. Even when he says he can walk on his own, Mizuki is still there to be support if he needs it. Most of all just… refusing to really let go of Affogato. If he truly had taken Mizuki’s offer to have him cook food, he’s not sure how long it would’ve taken him to pry himself from his beloved… ]
It rained, Callan’s doing. Was a growth rain that caused the plants and stuff to grow big, so we have lots of food. The forest gave us rocks that messed with our emotions — I lost my passion for a lot of stuff… A group of people went out into the forest to help Zahliya, and it seems like they were successful. Dark Cacao came looking for you. I got a pet from the ocean.
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He listens as Mizuki explains, sitting himself upright again and holding his hands out to him in a very clear join me manner, his brows furrowing a bit as he takes all of this in. ]
Are you feeling better, my darling? If you are not, do not let me take all your attention, you know your health is of utmost concern to me.
[ Does not give a shit about anyone else - except Dark Cacao. He loves Mizuki, he is Mizuki's, yet the idea that Dark Cacao came looking for him touches a spot in him that?? Actually brings him warmth?? Joy???
Also wait what. ]
Pet? Replacing me already, I see~!
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And of course, Mizuki wouldn't have brought up Dark Cacao normally, but there are two motives behind it. That part of him that wants to see Affogato happy and be happy, and the part of him that wants to confirm something he's already suspected. Somehow, he's gone from being entirely suspicious of Dark Cacao to being irrationally jealous. He has to swallow that down, though. He knows it's not healthy... ]
I am, it seems to have only had enough magic to last a few weeks. You needn't fuss over me, you should just focus on relaxing now.
You're not a pet, Affogato. I do think you'll like him, though. He's very cute. I didn't give him a name yet, though...
[ Mizuki's putting some waterproofing on his phone before he gets into the water himself. Fully clothed, of course. This is what Affogato gets for dating someone who wears a bathing suit on the regular. ]
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In his clothing.
Well, that shifts the mood from trying to be flirty to being amused, but he will wrap his arms around Mizuki anyways and haul him in against him. Recline back in the water to snuggle him. Try not to focus on the nudity you're now snuggled up against, Affogato's knees comfortably on either side of his jelly. ]
Mmm, I will be glad to meet him. What is he? And of course I am going to fuss over you, I love you. The very idea of not-fussing over you is ridiculous.
[ He raises a hand and begins to twine his fingers into Mizuki's hair, eyes sliding close in utter relaxation. ]
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Sorry. I didn't realize how much I missed hearing you say you love me.
[ Like, it's suddenly hitting him that Affogato is back. That he didn't get forever lost in the woods or go to the Garden and never come back or get poofed back to his world without anyone having the chance to do anything about it. That he's just here now, and…
He leans back against Affogato, a few tendrils holding onto his wrists and upper arms to just hold… ]
He's a tiny, fuzzy shark with legs and he meows like a cat.
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Then it would be reminisce of me not to say it again, wouldn't it? And again and again. I love you, my little Mizuki. My darling heart. A month without you felt like an eternity. I do not ever wish to part from you. Never again.
[ He strokes his fingers over Mizuki's lips in lieu of a proper kiss, then lets him return to leaning back against him. Holds him gently, tucking his head against his, to simply soak and relax. ]
A fuzzy shark with legs. That meows.
[ Sure, why not. It brings Mizuki joy and that's all he cares about right now, nuzzling in. ]
Mmm, I can't wait to meet him~ No name, hm? It will come to you, as you learn more of his personality.
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There's a soft sigh in response, and Mizuki gently sets his phone aside for now to just enjoy Affogato's company. He's content to just sitting in the bath until Affogato Cookie becomes Raisin Cookie, but, uh... he does eventually use one of his stingers to pull bottles of shampoo and conditioner over. He makes the gesture after to the bottles than to Affogato, as if asking if it's alright if Mizuki can wash his hair for him. Affogato should just relax, after all. ]
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Please.
[ And so he doesn't just actually fall asleep, he rouses himself enough to reach for a wash cloth and some body soap. So he can tackle himself to wash away the month of grime and gunk, sighing happily as he scrubs. ]
Ah, who knew a Cookie would enjoy soaking in hot water~
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Mizuki adjusts himself to face him now, with his knees pressed to the very edge of the underwater bench so he can feasibly lather suds through Affogato's hair. He doesn't pull whenever his fingers get inevitably stuck in the tangles, just working them out tenderly with a bit of extra soap when he needed to. Whenever he has to dip Affogato's head back to rinse the soap out, he first presses a small kiss against his forehead.
After he combs conditioner through his hair and rinses that out. And it should all be done there, except Mizuki holds onto Affogato's hand for a moment to stop his own washing. Just because... well! You know! If he's going to wash up right now anyway...
Mizuki doesn't reach for his phone to communicate. Rather, he just opens his mouth a moment, and makes a chomping motion as he taps Affogato's shoulder. It's fine right now, isn't it? While he's relaxed and cleaning...? He'll try not to make it hurt so much, even if that's quite literally not possible for him. ]
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The sighs that come out of Affogato to the tender touches to his hair and scalp are so soft and sweet, his eyes closed as he lets himself steep in the feeling of care. Of being loved. It fills him with such a strong ache, he'll never be able to get enough of it. The small kisses make him smile and he lets Mizuki direct him and for the first time in his life, he places his care utterly in someone elses hands. There's no hesitation, no tightening of his shoulders, no pulling away. Where Mizuki urges him, Affogato goes. It's a freeing feeling.
When his hands are stopped and his hair is done, he opens his eyes again to give Mizuki a dreamy little look, hming? softly until he makes a chomping motion and touches his shoulder. Without so much as a blink, he lifts his hand to move his hair away and tilts his head. The scar is still there, as Affogato doesn't heal like Mizuki does, even with Mizuki having closed it for him. ]
Always, my little Mizuki~
cw: yandere shit, biting
Yet, like flipping a switch, the gentle sweetness is replaced with Mizuki’s usual brand of “affection”. Something more needy, something more desperate, something clingy, sharp, lingering, and deranged. Mizuki would say it’s sweet. Mizuki would say there’s nothing better than to feel like he’s suffocating on his own love for someone.
And un(?)fortunately for Affogato, as long as Mizuki is around, this scar won’t ever truly heal. It’s proof, isn’t it? Proof that Mizuki loves him so so much.
Mizuki leaves Affogato with one gentle kiss against his shoulder, then chases it with that sharp, piercing pain of those razor blades he calls teeth digging into Affogato’s skin. ]
cw: sooooooo much yandere shit, more biting
Dig in, mark him again, take parts of him into yourself so you're never without him.
It's only when he begins to feel woozy from the pain mounting onto his exhaustion and hunger does he gently tug at Mizuki's hair to tell him enough. But when the other pulls back, just enough, Affogato will turn the tables. Pull the other in and sink his teeth into the spot he bit earlier through the clothing. His teeth aren't sharp like Mizuki's, so he has to be quick to mark without causing too much pain.
Marking and reminding Mizuki they're together as well. ]
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Affogato's teeth is met with another little gasp, followed by a shudder. How has he fallen this hard for a cookie? Genuinely, how is someone like him so perfect? It's not fair. It's okay to keep him forever, right? He doesn't have to go home? Mizuki can just cling until time breaks?
Aah, maybe he shouldn't be thinking like this while Affogato's just gotten back and is tired and hungry, though?? Especially not while he's not dressed. Ugh. Come on, Mizuki... ]
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Affogato values his individuality but if it was Mizuki - if he could feel Mizuki's heart beat next to his own as if it was in his own chest - he would do it. He hums softly, licks his tongue over the bloody spot, urges it to bleed a little more before releasing his teeth. Tilts his head after to press a slightly bloody kiss to Mizuki's jawline, mindfully away from his throat. ]
I missed you, my little love.
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And, of course, his mindfulness is noticed. It's adored, in fact. He's so sweet to call Mizuki "his" and yet still be aware of the boundaries he's set. He gives a little sigh, tilting his head so he can rub his nose to Affogato's. After a moment, he reaches for his phone again. ]
Can I ask kind of an odd favor?
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cw: body horror, neck scars
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More cws sorry: child death (sorta)
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