//SCENARIOS.EXE
PHASE I [ 20 00 ]
The evening begins promptly at 8:00 PM. There will be crowds gathered, lining up to get in. Everyone will be allowed, children, adults, the living and flesh-filled, the robotic, and the undead. The music will be thumping as far as the sidewalks outside, and the first thing everyone will notice would be bowls of candy everywhere as far as the eyes can see. They'll be sitting on top of the tables in all their innocent glory. For the most part, they are harmless.
But not the candy corn. Never the candy corn. Within it is a secret chemical that causes those who consume it to exhibit attraction to the nearest object/person to them, whether it be inanimate or otherwise. They will feel compelled to be close, to kiss and touch whatever is around them, though the effects only last an hour or so. Consider it a low-leveled aphrodisiac of sorts.
PHASE II [ 2122 ]
You're dancing. You're moving to the music. Or you're clinging to the walls and wondering why you're even here to begin with. That's when the holograms start playing around with you. The image flickers frequently until a face appears. You can swear it's talking to you beneath the music.
'We need you. We want you. Join us. Come to the back room. Number 005.'
The closer you get to the hologram screens, the louder the voice becomes until it disappears completely, leaving you to question how real it was.
PHASE III [ 2217 ]
For those brave enough, you go into Backroom #005. What awaits you there is a room full of masked and costumed figures. You don't know if they are human or not, but they watch you eagerly, inviting you to join their private party. Unfortunately, if you chose the backroom, you chose wrong. You chose very wrong. The door is going to be slammed shut and locked, and all the figures will then pull off their masks and reveal faces familiar to yourself. Faces from your world. They'll ask you accusingly why you haven't saved them yet. What's taking you so long. Did you forget them?
Their eyes will glow as they crowd in on you, yelling and growing more caustic until the lights flicker. When you can see clearly again, the entire room will be empty save for a single glass of wine sitting on the table. You'll be sure someone was inside just a moment ago. You were definitely talking to someone. You can't be going crazy, right?
PHASE IV [ 2345 ]
Fifteen minutes to midnight. The music is getting louder and more intense. You've been eating candy or drinking all night (or avoiding food entirely if you're wise enough). Yet the music lures you in with its haunting tone, and you spot in the middle, a masked figure dancing more hypnotically than the rest. He's waving his chainsaw around as he puts out his lethal dance moves, and you are being drawn by the music into a violent dance off. You can fight the feeling, you can try and run. Unfortunately, none of the other natives and robots see the masked man but you. Only outsiders can see him, and the closer you get, the more you reach out to touch him-
you discover he's only a hologram like any other. Your fingers move through his shape, and distort it, but you're still so sure it's real.
BONUS [ whyo'clock ]
One of the back rooms has a beautiful fortune teller by the name of Aria. She will be seated inside, welcoming individuals or groups of people to give them their fortunes, and she will be giving them bizarrely specific and intimate details about their life from their underwear preference to how many partners they've slept with and how many moles they have on their ass. Prepare for awkward embarrassment. Ah, but what does the future hold in store? She'll smile when asked, and then her face will fall apart until a drill protrudes from the center to try and stab through your face. If your reflexes are fast enough, you can dodge it. If you're too slow, prepare for a hospital visit to the CERES Medical Facility.
Once that ordeal is over with, her face will reconstruct itself back to normal, and she will smile and say your future looks very bright in CERES.
[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the meme. ]
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phase i!
Mostly he's just morbidly curious, so his gaze flicks to the nearest bystander, currently polishing them down by the greedy handful, and the person in question apparently isn't thrown off-kilter by the sudden spike of sugar intake, but — ]
... Clear?! What the heck are you doing here?! You don't even know what they're made of, and you're already scarfing them down?!
[ Spoken like Aoba wasn't about to stuff his face on nothing more than speculative interest. It's a bit difficult to discern his features under the reverberating beat of flashy strobe lights, but he'd recognize that distinctive onomatopoeia anywhere.
More importantly, although Clear's been shoveling them down at break-neck momentum, the hand he's extended toward him clearly shows wrapped sweets, which is honestly a little concerning. ]
Wait, did you eat the wrappers too?
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Amongst all the festivities, with booming music and flickering lights, it hadn't been easy to tell who was around at all - and just after he'd gotten the slightest bit sidetracked by this sugary buffet, he couldn't have expected that Aoba would find him first!
In truth, he may have nearly choked in all his excitement. A quiet sputter, and a gulp, before he's sharply inhaling-- oh, but manners first, of course. That's really the only thing that holds him back from immediately exclaiming the other's name, for all to hear.
When he's met with questioning instead, Clear curiously raises his hands to get a better look at that candy... and his only response to tilt his head back, somehow blowing the empty wrappers out of his mask's mouthpiece with a dainty tootle! (Yeah, who knows.)
Well, now that he's taken care of that-- ]
Ao~baa-saaan♥!
[ Sweeping forward, he takes the other up in his arms, twirling 'round in a merry circle! ]
When they said you might not be here, I was really worried! But you are~♪, and my heart is so relieved!
[ When he finally plops the other down on his feet, he'll push back his gas mask and lean in to press a kiss to his lips. ]
1/2!! oh my god????
Aoba's only met the guy a couple of times, so he couldn't exactly vouch for the moral conduct of a man who deemed fit to don a gasmask and bargain-bin trenchcoat everywhere he went (purportedly the sketchiest articles of clothing he'd ever seen in his entire life), but Clear was nice enough. Well-intentioned was a good way to put it — childish and immature to no end, but so infectiously cheerful that it didn't really matter that man was bottlenecked by weird, socially-disoriented faux-pas and the emotional tactility of an upended teetotaler during New Years.
Alarm bells are going off in his head from all that snuffling alone, wrappers shooting out of the mouthpiece like a burst of fanfare, but for some reason Aoba doesn't goddamned move away, attempting to put two and two together and coming up empty. He could twist knots into cherry stems with his mouth, but for crying out loud, that was an Olympic feat right there (Clear probably tallied up a full 10/10 when it came to using his tongue, for sure). ]
Is something the matter — [ WHOOPS, now he's swept up in the embrace and spun in a circle???????
why is none of this making any sense?????
wha
wh ]
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[ His mind is furiously backpedaling between alarm and genuine shock, because this is extreme even for Clear, and he even dropped the BDSM title in the process?!?!
He can't even be annoyed about the latter, because that's kind of what he wanted right from the beginning, but nothing's making sense! Maybe Aoba hit his head, concussing himself to an extremely lengthy, tripped-out dream, and he'll wake up any moment now on the floor of his room with an ear-splitting migraine or something ... ]
I'm glad you're excited to see me, but you really shouldn't be here —
[ AND THEN Clear's released him only to lean in, shoving his mask up a good few inches, and before Aoba can voice anything in the way of reprisal, he goes and snatches a kiss from him, like it's the most obvious thing in the world to do —
Aoba wrenches back into the tables with a startled, breathy gasp, sending bowls of candy skittering in every conceivable direction and flushing so hotly that his face is positively smarting from embarrassment. ]
Listen, you ... !
[ If it hadn't been preceded by such a startling welcome, he might've been more lenient — it wasn't any worse than anything Noiz has ever forced on him (in fact it was probably better, considering the heads-up he got in advance), but Clear might just take that for approval, and then he'd have another predicament to deal with. To be blunt, if Aoba wasn't losing his composure before, he's gone and murdered any sense of even-temperedness now, because he only lurches forward to
firmly kick Clear in the ass.
(All while techno continues blaring from the speakers, possible ghosts and holograms alike lurking at every corner, what a polarizing scene.) ]
What was that for?!
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A-Aoba-san, so meaaaannn--
[ As though for effect, a candy bowl that had been left teetering from the impact falls, pelting him with hundreds of sugary morsels before conking him on the head.
Who needs party entertainment when you have these guys? ]
. . . wehhh . . .
[ Now that his head hurts, it at least distracts from his smarting ass. Wearily pulling himself up, he cradles the sides of his head, an emotive tear dangling beneath one of his mask's lenses. ]
I'm- After a-all this time, I thought you might miss me, too... I'm sorry! I didn't know you wouldn't like to be kissed in public.
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Anyways, after that exorbitant display of backasswards embarrassment culminating in candy, of all things, Clear's back to his chipper self in no time at all, so maybe he didn't kick hard enough? But as much as Aoba loves to tease, he'll cut him some slack — the encounter's crazy enough on its own, notwithstanding the fact that he'd initially arrived and was debriefed with the notion that his nearest and dearest were dead (well, Clear was solid, so ergo not a fake, as far as he could discern). ]
It's not that I didn't miss you or anything, it's just — ok, listen. You shouldn't greet everyone you miss with kisses out of the blue like that. Especially if you don't know them that well, or it's something you didn't agree to beforehand. Where'd you pick that up from, anyways?
[ Realization dawns slowly. ]
... Wait — does that mean you think I like being kissed in private?
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You didn't seem to mind before... Did-- did you not enjoy our intimacy, Aoba-san?
[ CAN YOU HEAR HIS HEART SHATTERING.
But no - that couldn't be it, right?! There has to be some sort of misunderstanding, but he can set it straight, surely!
Climbing onto his feet, he'll reach out to take the other's hands, if he'll allow it; gently slip his palms into Aoba's, and lace their fingers together. ]
I wouldn't kiss anyone other than Aoba-san, so please do not worry! You are my one and only master! I don't desire anyone else.
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I'm sorry, but I don't get what you're referring to. Yeah, we've hung out a few times, but I don't remember ever doing anything intimate that way.
[ It's a somewhat troubling admittance — maybe it's attributed to Clear's obstinance or the fact that he can't actually recall doing anything that warranted kissing. There was that night up on the rooftops. but it wasn't any straight lead-in to whatever Clear was referring to. Emotional, yes — but there wasn't any physicality to it.
He's staring at their intertwined hands now, a strange expression plastered over his features, not outright pulling away but not empathetically squeezing his hand back either. ]
Clear. I'm not your master. [ A slight pause. ] And you have the choice to choose who you like or don't like, but there's more than a few things I don't understand about what you're telling me.
Did something happen between us?
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[ Words so softly uttered that they barely echo past the mask. It's a devastating realization, that Aoba has potentially forgotten something so dearly important between them.
Yet, there is still hope, because he hasn't rejected what had come to pass, so... ]
It's alright. Everything will be okay, Aoba-san, because I'll share my memories with you. [ Though his tone rises with optimism, there is still the faintest waver to his voice, and he's softly squeezing the other's hands with enough endearment for them both. ]
Ah, to-- put it simply, we made it to Platinum Jail together! We encountered many obstacles, including confronting... others like me, that served Toue. They were defeated, though - along with him! - but I did not make it, Aoba-san.
[ The very last statement is delicately said, though not said with any hint of sadness. Rather, he seems content! ]
But I was truly at peace! You taught me so many important things; impassioned me with confidence, and resolution. Accepted me, made me feel-- equal.
[ It's difficult being so vague, but he doesn't want to scare him away... Swallowing, he nods. ]
Even when I was wasting away, you let me hold you. So... I have made my choice. I love you, and even if I have to remind you every day, I wouldn't mind it.
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[ Under the pulsating reverberation of lights, he's at a distinct loss for words. Grasping at coherency and finding none, asking questions he doesn't even understand the answers to — but Clear's still determined to inform him with his side of the story, so the least he could do is hear him out. It's a sincere confession, even if Aoba can't dredge up even a single memory as verification. His voice alone has enough gravitas to make him listen, though Aoba's eyes perceptibly widen at Clear's utter calm, speaking with a conviction that could've ran him aground. It was like something spoken in confidence, pleading with sentiment in a way he couldn't even grasp. ]
... And you wound up here instead, huh.
[ Caught by a sudden influx of emotions, it takes more than a while for Aoba to eventually retract his hands, only to soon rest one palm on Clear's arm, gaze ensnared in some form of quiet hesitation. ]
I know it must be hard, having to deal with this, with me not remembering anything else, but — is it alright if you give me some time to think about it? It's a lot to take in, and as I am now, I don't think I can ... return your feelings.
[ In a way, Aoba is afraid to face that kind of proximity, jumping in head-first when he doesn't even know what Clear sees in him, so fallible and prone to weakness and lapses of judgment, but he can't outright ignore that kind of resolution either. ]
But you're my friend, Clear. As long as we're both here and alive, we can keep moving forward. We'll figure things out, get back to Midorijima, and I'm sure everything will make sense by then.
[ And Aoba smiles, thin and uncertain but mostly hopeful, because that's what he's counting on: somewhere down the line, everything's bound to make sense, and he'll finally comprehend the kind of single-minded intensity that could leave someone dying for another completely at peace. ]
Thanks. I'm ... really grateful, you know. It must've taken a lot out of you to stay by my side the whole time.
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[ With now empty hands, he lowers them to coil into his coat at his sides. Under such a detached gesture, he may seem a bit stiff, because it is difficult to lose all the progress they've made. His throat is tight, as though desperately needing to cry, but he can't! Not now. It isn't Aoba's fault, and he shouldn't feel bad. ]
Please don't say those type of things, though, Aoba-san. Being at your side meant everything to me, and to be able to return to you makes me truly happy... I will stay, even if you can't feel the same way about me again-- if... you allow it...
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It's nothing like starting over, but when Aoba slides his hand away, it's with a sudden confidence, exhaling shortly before directing his gaze upward. ]
Clear, look at me.
[ And once he's certain he's captured his undivided attention: ]
You don't have to ask permission to stay by my side. Just because I don't ... remember what it was like to be close to you doesn't mean you have to avoid me from now on. It'll be difficult at times, probably — you might even get frustrated with me, but — if you're willing to work past that, then I want to try getting to know you all over again. We just need to take it slowly. One step at a time, okay?
[ But he'll leave the decision up to Clear, in the end — while he can't understand the magnitude of the relationship they had before, it's transparent how much it's affected him to lose it, voice perched on the precipice of uneven warbling. ]
First things first: want to help me clean up this mess?
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Ah-- of course! I'm sorry for creating such disarray!
[ He nearly bristles, as he looks down at himself and the floor around him, candy pieces caught in some of the folds of his clothes and scattered all around.
But, before he leans down to pick them up, his cheeks flush so bright that they can nearly be seen through his mask, he's so relieved! ]
Thank you, Aoba-san.
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[ TOO CUTE ........... it's hard not to beam at that much, so Aoba grins widely and internally commits himself to at least remembering this aspect of Clear, if nothing else.
Getting back to it, he literally ruined the candy tables just by flailing about — all that candy corn flung between curtains and wedged between his shoes — he shakes his head and a few sugar drops fall out by sheer force of motion. It's understandably the best course of action to fastidiously sweep up what he can and set it aside from any other prying mouths (or eyes), so it's only when he's gotten a good portion through clearing out the party floor that he continues speaking. ]
Were you treated to an explanation when you arrived here? About how things are back home, I mean.
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[ Uwahhh Aoba-san, so good to him! His robo heart is all aflutter, while he works at helping to scoop all of those stay sugary bits into a neat mound, stacking the empty bowls, and dumping the dirtied pieces into the topmost.
When the other managed to shake some candy from his hair, though, Clear has to pause, sitting back on his heels with a laugh. He follows suit by fluttering his scarf, and shaking out his folded sleeves. ]
Shwa, shhhwaaa~. So much!
[ But about that-- ]
Mm, yes! Really, I was disheartened to hear about it, but... I'm honored to be chosen for the opportunity to fix it. We will do our best! Right, Aoba-san?
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That sure is a lot of candy, though — but the guy had Mary Poppins's pockets, there was no telling what else he possible held in that coat hammerspace of his.
He doesn't exactly buy into the account as wholeheartedly as Clear, but given the implication that things so drastic as defeating Toue had occurred, maybe it was the time to start believing. ]
Yeah, we will. For everyone's sake.
[ And admittances comes out naturally, now that he's not so liable to flinch back while Clear's in close proximity: ] I've gotta' fix Ren before we return, too. I've been trying what I know a while, but it's like he didn't come back all the way.
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[ Some of that renewed optimism fades to worry, Clear's hands coiling into the fabric of his own pant legs. ]
That's truly terrible...
[ During their journey, he'd also developed a sort of understand with Ren - respect, undoubtedly. He was a friend, and this news truly saddens him. ]
Your efforts must provide him great comfort, though. I'm confident that you will find a way. [ He decidedly raises his hands into enthusiastic fists. ] I was able to be fixed, so we must have faith in Ren-san as well!
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[ And try as Aoba might to maintain the prior levity in his tone, he ducks his head away, depositing the bowl of spoiled candy beneath the table, and brushes away at his jeans with unnecessary gusto as he straightens. ]
But you're right, of course. I wouldn't give up from something like this, and I wouldn't expect you to, either.
[ An unhurried pause ensues while he manages a small grin at Clear's antics. ] Are you planning to stay a while longer? I hear people have been receiving these really accurate predictions from a fortuneteller in one of the back rooms, but maybe it's just a rumor?
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[ He mutters, voice small and sympathetic - but quick to meet the other's words with spirit, he nods with a hum of confidence!
Straightening the tablecloth to conceal their misdoing, the display may considerably less generous now, but at least it's a cleaner one - right? Right! ]
Yes, I'd like stay with you, if that's alright!
[ BUT WAIT, did he say a fortune teller? Perking up curiously, he finally follows suit with standing, swinging up onto his feet. ]
People can really do that, tell the future? Wah, that's really cool!! We should definitely check it out, Aoba-san!
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[ Clear's way too enthusiastic for his own good, it's amazing he's able to roll with the punches without deflating at some point. Aoba would've surely succumbed in no time at all. You could almost say that kind of optimism was inhuman ....... huh ......... ]
I personally think it's all a hoax, but it wouldn't hurt to check it out? It'd be better entertainment than anything they're showing out here right now, so why don't we start looking and find out for ourselves?
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[ Wrapping a hand under his chin, Clear considers this, nodding along.
He recalls Platinum Jail being referred to as such, for tricking people into mind control under the premise of entertainment... ]
That's more reason to check it out, right? Just in case, I'll be there to protect you, Aoba-san!
[ Which might not sound entirely convincing, with all the childish glee he presents. It's to such a degree that you practically see precious shoujo flowers blooming about his mask...
Yes, surely inhuman enthusiasm! ]
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[ Well, Clear's already ...... sketchy enough ....... this is actually just more of the same?!?! Aoba rubs the nape of his neck, propping the other hand in marked exasperation. ]
I can protect myself just fine, Clear. You should be worried for yourself. You're a little too ... trusting. You might get swindled on accident or something.
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[ A finger idly lingers at the mouthpiece of his mask, as he stares off, then. ]
I suppose it's true that I don't know very much about other people, but how do you know if they're trustworthy or not if you don't meet them first?
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It doesn't hurt to be careful, Clear.
[ He exhales shortly, drags his gaze back to the gyrating partygoers, mouth thinning as he worries at his bottom lip. ]
I didn't mean that you shouldn't give people the benefit of the doubt first. Sometimes people try to take advantage of others when they know won't put up a fight. Just — keep it in mind, okay?
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Mm, yes, I will! [ Nodding, he stands upright in all his childlike enthusiasm, extending a hand to the other. ] So, it would be fine to see the fortune teller, as long as we look out for danger, right?
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