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Weekend 7
Weather: Clear skies all weekend
It’s finally the weekend!
You’ve all been working hard to make sure today is a success. Tom Nook has delivered your fliers, and word has been spread about your island. Maybe your goal is less obvious, or at least, has been less advertised to people outside of beautiful Isla Sonrisa, but it’s that sort of expectation that hangs in the air like the excitement that’s nearly palpable. One thing’s for certain: Hopefully, KK Slider will have taken note of your sunny little island. And by the way the seaplane keeps on coming and going throughout the day, unloading other animal-like passengers, there’s no doubt that others from this world have noticed, too.
The sisters have placed the designs that were submitted for the contest outside their shop. It’s a good thing you have so many creative people inhabiting an island! Tom Nook is also handing out brochures with answers from the island’s residents for people to learn more about its inhabitants. If KK Slider is to be welcomed here, it’s best he knows for sure that he’s come to the right place. For those who are less familiar with KK’s stylings, Tom Nook has set up a display of KK’s singles and CDs. It’s hard to not notice the white dog with floppy ears and soulful eyes on some of the covers and posters.
Wandering around are Audie and Raymond -- among other animals, of course -- who are dressed in their best duds; as inhabitants of this world, they’re pretty darn jazzed about the prospect of KK Slider arriving. Even Tom Nook has broken out his best, most fashionable bowtie. Blathers, too, and he’s taken it upon himself to bring some fish- and dinosaur-themed refreshments. The museum is closed, but (Who knew an owl could bake such delicious treats?) Blathers has a little booth setup outside of the museum with pamphlets and everything you've submitted (oocly highlighted) on display outdoors.
There is another certain someone wandering around who looks a little too worried for this event, though. It's Snake, and he seems somewhat troubled. If he sees you, he's not shy about approaching and asking you if you've seen his belongings.
- "Yeah, it's kind of a terrible predicament! I don't know where they went, but I lost them all on the beach! I hope they didn't run away... those running shoes are pretty amazing, after all! You'll know they're mine if you find them, they've got my name written on 'em. I'd look for 'em myself, but you know, I just got done with a KILLER set of reps to make sure my abs and biceps are in tip-top shape for the event, bunyip. I'll be around here, so just come find me if you find my precious things!"
As for the entertainment area... You’ve all been working hard to set it up. It’s hard to miss the sort of passion that almost seems to radiate from the areas the otherworlders have put so much effort into. After all, this is what will hopefully draw KK Slider to your island, to not only perform, but to hear your own performances. Tom Nook might be passionate about making sure this island thrives and becomes a home to many people, but those who have been brought here… well, perhaps their passion outshines even Tom Nook’s. And for those of you who need to take some time to relax, the library and pool are some good options, too.
Should you choose to check the entertainment area in the middle of the day, there sure is a white dog with floppy ears and soulful eyes playing the guitar and singing a cute melody.
Lastly, Gulliver can be found sitting on the beach, taking a breather. But when he's approached he'll come on over--it seems he's just remembered something important!
- "Hey there, friend! Were you able to find my communicator parts? Hopefully they didn't go and hop into the water, that would be inconvenient for us all! Especially since I've got something that might help you all get back home that I can send over once I get my watery situation all figured out!"
--
Sunday rolls around. Maybe you're still working on cleanup or relaxing after a long day. KK Slider is sitting in the Resident Services area now, sitting on a stool. There are other stools set up for people to sit around and listen.
He'll take requests based on your mood and genre. He's got a wide variety of tunes to play, so don't be shy!
(OOC: Welcome to your Weekend 7 log! We're going to try things a little differently this time: If you'd like an NPC interaction, ping us and let us know which NPC you're looking for. In terms of the visitors, they're all other villagers from Animal Crossing! Feel free to NPC those guys in your threads on your own!)
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[ Much like Dokja, he thinks of the times they needed to sleep with the elements. They would all take turns keeping watch, sleeping in different terrains unfit for lodging. It's stark from now, almost too long ago.
The blanket hangs off his shoulders as he's about to take out the food, but he freezes to the touch. Quickly, he gives his companion a squint before loosening the quilt, then wrapping it around Dokja instead. ]
Seafood jjamppong, tteokbokki, and gimbap.
[ A mix of things, but he thought it would be fine. Of course, he has some tumblers of cold water and lemonade. This kind of camping is nice, though Joonghyuk never had such an experience. Still, he imagined if he and Mia went on a camping trip, it'd be nice like this... Peaceful.
Maybe they would be able to enjoy the night's sky, too. Back to what he intended to do, he takes out the food. ]
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To think we started with just apples when we arrived.
[ Oh he's clearly excited. It already smells good, watching as Joonghyuk takes everything out and he admires the well made dishes. He's greatly looking forward to trying it all. He's really been spoiled rotten here, if he was honest. Everyday he's been living off of Joonghyuk's cooking.
It'll get some use to going without when he returns home. Suppose that's how it will have to be. He distantly thinks back to Persephone as she treated him to dinner with Fables and told him to eat well. He grows quiet but it's not entirely uncomfortable.
It's still strange. Camping like this, without needing to have their guard up. Even if it's mostly done out of habit anyways. Slowly, he starts to put more and more weight against his companion with a gleam of his eyes. ] Maybe I should tell some stories. Is there anything you wanna hear?
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He can't quite keep the blanket on snug when he's serving the soup into bowls for them to eat? However, he tries. ]
You can tell me whatever you want to tell me.
[ He doesn't want to force Dokja into an uncomfortable spot... To ask him about the past he tried so hard to hide, which sounds strange from someone so assertive. Joonghyuk already knows pieces of Dokja's stories that don't include him or the world they share, but only as much as the introduction he gave during the Great War of Saints and Demons.
Everything else has been told to him by other people. Tales of a Dokja he doesn't know despite how he only cares for the Dokja beside him. Anyway, here you go. This is your bowl. It's warm and there's a soup spoon for ease. ]
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Really? So if I wanted, I can tell you nothing? [ He laughs suddenly. ] I expected more of a "You know everything about me, so you should share everything too."
[ Of course Yoo Joonghyuk already learned somewhat about him. Whether it was from the library, from some other person.. maybe it would be better to hear it from his own mouth. Distantly, he thinks back to when when they met the previous Most Ancient Dream. He thinks of how the others had reacted.. how they welcomed him with open arms. How they even found it in themselves to sympathize.. after everything they had gone through. He finds himself shuddering involuntarily.
He blinks suddenly, murmuring a thanks as he takes the bowl with one hand and when he's sure the blanket is safe to stay does he bring his other hand back to lightly grip the spoon. He's quiet for a moment, considering. Where should he start? From the beginning, probably.
Before he realizes it, he opens his mouth and starts the tale. It's not an exciting tale. It's a story that he strongly believes to be boring and mundane. But the life of Kim Dokja as a child, with a family where he mentions his mother and his father... well, not so much. He mentions his death with vague details, how his life continued even as his mother was sent to jail and he found himself mostly alone. Dokja doesn't express too much during his time growing up. Even if mentions could be gathered from their discovery of a smaller child that became the conclusion for the Secret Plotter and the rest of 999's turn, Dokja himself doesn't say much.
He talks about a story he came across. A story he came to love, including the characters he met and learned through said story. He talks about how he did poorly on his exams, how he got sent to the army, leading to how he eventually found himself as a contracted employee at Minosoft company where he met Yoo Sangah.
Some parts in his tale he would provide some more information than expected, other times not so much, at some points he seems to take a moment before he continues the tale. The hesitance lingering with fear despite how he tried his best to seem unbothered by it all. Time and time again, he's faced the memories, some even long since buried, some he found no strength to face alone but maybe it was the warmth next to him that encouraged him on to share.
Eventually, he finds his breath again as the tale comes to a finish and he tries to laugh it off. ] Doesn't make for a good camping story in hindsight.
[ Were they still back home, would he even have bothered to share anything? Or was it because after everything that's happened here he found himself able to. In the end, Dokja isn't looking for pity or sympathy, and most definitely not forgiveness. However, he finds himself... feeling strange, that Yoo Joonghyuk knows more of the man that Kim Dokja was before the scenarios with this. It's not exactly comforting, that he's certain of for sure. Maybe later he'll regret expressing it all but that's the Kim Dokja of tomorrow to worry about.
Dokja definitely has a weird look on his face now. As though he's thinking way too much about everything. ]
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[ Because those reminders become threats and some violence. Does Dokja want that? Joonghyuk, however, has settled with the idea that he only really needs to know Dokja as he wants to present himself now. The past is littered with thorns and scars... To drag it out for the sake of his curiosity would make him no different from the Constellations he deplored. It's a small show of kindness he seldom offers, though to most it may look like apathy instead.
However, he does wonder about what shaped Dokja to the man he is in front of him. Joonghyuk is aware his story played a part in it, so he listens to the sad tale of a boy trying to live in a cruel world. It isn't a world with demons you can see, but there are demons nevertheless. They're seen other people and in one's thoughts. He keeps his gaze averted, instead pointed toward the starry sky, and sips his soup to warm himself up. The night air is a little chilly, then the story isn't heartwarming at all. ]
You were trying to survive.
[ Joonghyuk doesn't know what it's like to have someone's story be the crutch of his life, but thinking back to home... Their world now without Dokja, maybe he understands a little bit. He can see in his comrades what keeps them coveting tomorrow is the story they created together—the story Kim Dokja weaved for them. Even then, they're not satisfied with the ending they were given. They're haunted by memories of him and what should have been.
There's a sliver of silence before he speaks up. ]
The you back then doesn't exist anymore.
[ He hopes Dokja knows that. ]
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Trying to survive. His eyes close, those are familiar words. His tail quietly thumps against the black tail with thought. There's not much to say that. Rather, Dokja isn't sure what to say. He was a boy trying to survive, certainly.. but because of that they were made to live a life that nobody would want to wish on anyone. Yoo Joonghyuk was forced to live a life, to live through countless regressions.
A man like that had every right to hate him. How jarring it is when he remembers it is quite literally the opposite. How a man like that could love him after everything. When Joonghyuk speaks again he finds himself still, blinking his eyes open before turning his head to look at his companion. His eyes searching a little, before he glances back to his soup with some musing. ]
..No. I suppose not.
[ Just like Yoo Joonghyuk.. how he finds him not how he remembers reading. How he is no longer a character anymore. He helps himself to more of the soup, not wanting it to get any colder. The heat of it is filling but he knows the actual source of comfort. ]
Still, it did lead to the me that exists now.
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[ Joonghyuk's tail swishes under Dokja's, but it slows down. Only small thumps here and there as he enjoyed the warmth they share in this space. With a hand, he fixes the blanket to make sure it stays propped over his shoulder as he takes another spoonful of the soup.
This is nice despite everything Dokja has spilled about his past. It shouldn't matter to him, but Joonghyuk does feel that he has a better picture of his companion. A person is not made up of one story of another's perspective, but of the many. He's grateful to hear... This story is one from his heart, from the man himself. Thoughts play in his mind, but he turns to Dokja, unfortunately a second too late to lock his gaze.
What he sees is someone fussing with their soup. While it usually annoys him when the other man plays with his food, he should be glad he has the appetite at all. The past is cruel, the future bleak— ]
What matters to you now? The past or the present.
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Arms wind around his waist with careful movements to not jostle his companion and curl closer to the warmth. His tail starts to swish with ears folding back with a following hum. ]
The present. It's always been what's happening now.
[ After all, hasn't he been trying to escape the past all this time? He shifts the blanket some more, allowing Joonghyuk the ease to finish his own soup. ]
And what of you, Yoo Joonghyuk?
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That's how all of their comrades feel. They're finally allowed to live their lives are regular people yet there's a void. They all turn their heads to the past, seeking for that missing piece.
Joonghyuk's bottom lips bob as he tries to answer, but then presses his lips together into a thin line. His gaze shifts elsewhere. He would be lying if he said the present. If he chose the present, it meant leaving Dokja behind. ]
... I choose to be wherever you and our comrades are.
[ Please don't tell him his answer is wrong. ]
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That could mean anything, you know.
[ Yet, his tone isn't scolding or even remotely annoyed by it. His voice is quiet, dipping his head to drop his forehead against a shoulder while fingers lightly grip at the other with a loose hold. His mouth parts as though to say something but it closes again. Words like- on the chance something happens... or things don't go their way... if it ends up being too impossible...
However, none of those things come out. What he does say though-- ] Whatever happens, it'll be okay.
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A hand does sneak over to the other man's waist and pulls him even closer now that they're done with their main dish. There's still some soup left, but Joonghyuk opts out for some rice cake. ]
It will.
[ He forks one and takes it all in one bite before offering to Dokja. ]
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That sneaky hand however gets him straightening suddenly. Blinking a bit, but clearing his throat as if nothing is wrong. Because nothing is. Even after everything leading to this point, he finds himself still reacting to any touch brought on by his companion.
Also finds himself leaning into it, wanting a little more bit by bit. When food is offered to him he opens his mouth. Yes, feed him you sunfish. He mumbles something but it's obviously incoherent with his own lips pressed together. ]
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... Don't try to talk if your mouth is full.
[ He so desperately wants to assault you, Dokja. So badly. ]
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To squeeze his cheeks. Squish squish. He grins a little as he does. ] Yes, sir.
[ Of course he drops that hand, knowing a slap is coming his way and instead focuses on bearing all of his weight onto Joonghyuk. All of it. If Joonghyuk falls back because of it, that's fine. Dokja is already chuckling as he does. ]
It's gonna be chilly later on, are you gonna cling to me extra tightly tonight Joonghyuk-ah?
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Eyebrows knit fiercely together as he parses the blasphemy. ]
When have I ever clung onto you?
[ Joonghyuk effectively looks away with a full turned head and everything. He seems to be stuffing his face with more rice cake a little bit faster than usual. Questions run through his head—did Dokja notice how he pulls him closer at night? He thought the other man was sleeping?
If he's talking about the times at home, that isn't clinging. ]
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Don't choke. [ Of course, it isn't the night that Dokja thinks of. After all, most of the time he's falling asleep quickly before Joonghyuk, and often times also wakes up after him.
Still, there are a few occasions he's woken up to a close hold from the other man's arms. He remembers those times clearly because his heart was pounding so quickly he almost always ended up wide awake.
Does he mention that? ] Relax, I was only kidding. [ Nope. ]
You're not gonna stop sharing, are you? [ Feed meeeee. ]
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He could tell Dokja he holds onto him so desperately because he fears waking up and he'll be gone, but that won't change what waits for them.
Slowly, he chews his rice cake in deep thought only to be snapped back to reality by the other man's annoying tone. This is where he should feed Dokja, right? Well, he baps his face with a spicy rice cake. ]
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What are you grumping about?
[ Rather, what did Dokja say this time to get him in this particular mood? Oh well, he think he's eaten enough, so he's immediately flopping back to lay on the blanket. As he peers up he sees a sight full of stars. Ears perk up, tilting his head to instead look at Joonghyuk.
The light of the moon and lamp settled nearby really gives a nice warm contrast on his face. It's to no surprise that most are captivated by his looks, Dokja is no exception even if sometimes that rough attitude sours the good looks. Okay maybe more than sometimes. ]
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He takes a tip of some of the lemonade he made. It's refreshing despite how it's already chilly. The thoughts slowly wash away as he looks up to the sky. ]
It's not important. [ Turning to Dokja, he wonders if he'll find relief just seeing him, but no. Taking a napkin, he cleans Dokja's face. There's some of the spicy rice cake sauce plastered over his pale face. ] You can't lie down right after eating.
[ Not good for digestion. ]
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He makes a face briefly until he laughs a little at the comment. He doesn't feel like getting up though? He's comfortable. Jokingly, he raises his arms up as though inviting him to his next proposal. ]
Hold me then. [ Otherwise, he'll just lay right here and get eventual stomach pain. Or go back to leaning all of his weight onto his partner again. ]
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That doesn't matter as long as his companion is safe and with all of them. When the command is uttered, Joonghyuk's ears perk to pointed peaks while his tail flares. The leer is dark, almost accusing Dokja of demanding something ridiculous.
... But he gently picks him up and holds him, anyway. This is one of the few embraces they've ever had and, at first, it doesn't feel different. Except as Joonghyuk thinks about their future departure, his hold becomes a little tighter. A little bit more desperate. ]
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Arms wind back around his companion, burying into a spot between neck and shoulder with a light nuzzle. There's comfort in holding and being held. A safety in it. However, his thoughts flicker too and he returns that tightness with his own. One hand dipping up into black hair to pet carefully, the other gripping onto the back of his shirt with a light tremble. The idea of forgetting everything is quite.. frightening. To think that he'll lose the feelings he has now. If possible, he'll want to hold onto them. Remember how it feels to be held like this. There's silence when he asks of the Fourth Wall, if he'll be able to keep the memories that he's made here. Whether it's because it doesn't know or is aware that Dokja won't like the answer.. he can't really tell.
Dokja brings one hand to cradle gently one side of the other man's face, to tilt his own to press a chaste kiss to his temple. Finding himself wanting to express his affection before he's no longer able to. The way he feels those arms so tightly around have him speaking again. ] When the time comes to leave, I won't say goodbye.
[ He rests their foreheads together as eyes lower. The next part that leaves him, it's what is keeping him going. To meet with everyone.. ] Because we'll see each other again.
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His eyes don't close or lower when Dokja kisses his temple, then presses their foreheads together. He keeps his eyes on him... Eyebrows knit as usual, but a sadness stains his gaze. How could he ever tell him that he's scared? How could he tell him that he worries this is all for naught? That this may be the last time they can see each other—that Dokja will be lost to all of them forever. The biggest question that he wants to ask is how is he supposed to lead his life now that all of the scenarios are gone? How is he supposed to when he'll only ever think about how they've failed to save him?
Despite all his confidence and determination, Joonghyuk in the end is still human and riddled with doubts and worries. Black ears pin back, pressed against his head and almost hidden away, as he lingers in Dokja's embrace. Is it that he's indulging Dokja's request or the other way around now? Shoulders tremble as he finally closes his eyes. ]
Don't forget, Kim Dokja.
[ Don't forget them. ]
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He keeps a steady smile despite the swimming sadness in those dark eyes. How expressive they've become, especially in being able to hold the man's face so close to his own. Would they be able to bridge feelings back home as they did here? A more distant thought being would they even have the chance? Maybe Dokja will keep them hidden, maybe Joonghyuk will not consider telling him anything. Chances are they may continue their life without knowing how they feel and maybe it's fine.
If that's the case, why does it hurt? Has he grown so comfortable with the feeling of loving the man and being loved back? Dokja still does not forgive himself for what he's done to them, so if that's how he's to repent.. what a sad tale. Fingers continue to thread through black hair, comforting both of their worries and doubts.
Feeling the quake of those shoulders have him gripping him tighter and is uncertain if the shake in his arms is because of his partner or himself. Maybe both. ]
I won't forget. [ He doesn't want to. He wants to be just a little selfish, a bit greedy in what he chooses to remember and it would be them. It would be the people he loves. He tries his best to smile, because isn't this suppose to be a fun outing? Here they are, both being worn down be darker feelings swimming in the turmoil of their eventual departure.
Thumbs raise to gingerly soothe those knitted brows before he presses a kiss to a closed eyelid. Arms moving to wrap around the man's neck as he cradles him closer. ]
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Most importantly, Joonghyuk wants Dokja to not forget himself...
But there is a pang in his chest, a small voice in his head, that tells of the sadness to lose the man who spoke three special words to him. His ears quiver to the fingers weaving through his hair while his tail curls around him, wagging in very short strides. It's warm here in this embrace. Dokja's voice and feather-light brushes have the nerves burned alight quell and the dread melt. Joonghyuk indulges in the light kiss on his eyelid before dark eyes open again. There's no hostility, only serenity. ]
I will continue to hold you to that. [ Selfishly, he takes it as a promise. ] ... You're the one that implied I'm clingy?
[ Look at you, wrapping your arms around his neck? ]
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