songerein | { frozen nightmare }

Entry tags:

{ frozen nightmare }

FROZEN NIGHTMARE

On the morning after Christmas, December 26th, everyone will awaken to dark clouds that have come in overnight, or how the snow keeps falling and falling and falling throughout the entire day…and the next until it's less snow and now a blizzard of sleet and hail, threatening to freeze over not only Reverein, but to the lands beyond, including Dragefjell, dragon island. Everyone is forced to take shelter inside, and while some dare to go out, it's dangerous.

On the fourth day, before people really start going mad, strange messages written in frost will appear on their windows:

hElp
mAd
qUeEn
Not ominous at all. Nor is how everyone will suddenly fall asleep and awaken in a strange dreamscape, with a young man floating in front of them. Well, what looks like a young man. He's a bit… Fragmented, his entire body made of shards of ice. He will be the one to help explain the situation: his name is Jack Frost, and the Ice Queen has succumbed to some nightmare he can't wake her from. He needs their help to figure out the cause of her nightmares and free her. They must traverse through a strange candy land to reach the ice mountain the Ice Queen is currently in. Unfortunately, he doesn't have enough power left to do more than appear like this, so it's up to the Dreamwalkers to save the day. Again.

More details on everything can be found here. As a reminder, events double as our TDMs and information can be found here. Any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in December and will remain in Songerein from anytime in December. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)

Ace Attorney - Simon Keyes
Amazing Digital Circus - Pomni
Final Fantasy XIV - Hermes
Genshin Impact - Furina de Fontaine
Genshin Impact - Nahida
Genshin Impact - Paimon
In Stars and Time - Siffrin
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds - Ravio
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Malon
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Fi
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Mineru
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Purah
Limbus Company - Dante
Miraculous Ladybug - Gabriel Agreste
Undertale - Frisk

We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

I. REVEREIN

A. Stuck Indoors. Upon waking, anyone who looks out the window will see that everything outside is frozen solid. There was a terrible blizzard the night before, and it left Reverein an icy wonderland. It's beautiful, but freezing cold and potentially deadly. But the real challenge will be trying to prevent cabin fever as the days go on. Perhaps some games over the journals could help stave off boredom. There will also be shelters quickly made for those who need better living arrangements, and various games and food will be provided for those in need as well.

B. Outdoor Help. Due to the sudden nature of the blizzard, not everyone was able to find shelter, especially those who were out in the Wildlands which have also been hit by the blizzard. Those able may need to try and help rescue those caught outside.

⛑️ Rescue efforts. Not everyone made it out of the blizzard safely, either entirely by coincidence or due to sheer stubbornness. These people are stuck outside frozen and need help being taken to safety. Thaw them out and bring them inside!
🐿️ Animal help. There are little critters, too–ones that didn't get back to their own homes in time. Don't overlook the littlest residents of Reverein, because they need help, too.
⛄ Snowman aid. The snowmen that popped up during the previous weeks will help assist those who may need it. For a brief time they can create a little barrier around the individual, stopping some of the cold, and will even hop over to give anyone stuck their own scarves, mittens, and hats should they have any.

C. Delivering Heat. While dreamotion can help keep the hearths warm, there are more efficient ways to keep the heat through fire cores. Orkili has also sent word that they will send heating devices, and the dragons will also make the flight down to help replenish stocks so everyone can stay warm for as long as this mysterious blizzard lasts. Now the question is, how to deliver everything.

🎿 Braving the cold. The most direct way to try and get anywhere is to venture outside, but that can be a risk in itself. Those who try should bundle up! Those who can use either ice dreamotion to control the cold, or fire to help generate heat, will be best suited for this.
🚧 Tunnel system. The gnomes will try to clear some entrances to allow anyone stuck outside or trying to travel around a way to do so safely through the crystal tunnels that sprawl beneath Reverein. However, other creatures have also fled to the warmer caverns so beware. Some are just as frightened and will be harmless, but others will be aggressive for the same reasons.
⛏️ Stuck sandworm. The Orkilins were already working to create a connection between Orkili and Reverein via underground tunnel system. The blizzard has hastened this endeavor, which unfortunately means a rushed job that leads to the sandworm crashing through one of the crystal walls and becoming stuck, with the gnomes not happy. Help dig it out! In the meantime, others can work to deliver the heating devices it carries to those who need it.
🐉 Thawing dragons. Unfortunately, even the mighty dragons will succumb to the might of the blizzard, their wings freezing over as they try to fly down. Since they can't really burn themselves, they'll need someone else to use their dreamotion or some other means to help them out. However, they may be grateful enough to just stay around and help keep things warm with their dragon flame along with the fire cores they carry.

D. Ice Elementals. As the sun sets, a rumble disturbs the quiet of the snow that blankets Reverein. Two enormous ice elementals have appeared on opposite sides of the city, and they are determined to smash their way through the town. They stand five stories tall, icy blocks of fists can send anyone and anything flying, and their frigid breath can leave people encased in ice in seconds. They're tough, but not impossible to take down, especially with a group. Party up and beat these things back!

🔥 Flamethrowers. The Orkilins that arrived to help already had some flamethrowers packed to help get rid of the snow, and they are now allowing those facing the elementals to use it against them. The power will increase by those who are capable of using fire dreamotion.
🧊 Ice against ice. Those who can use ice dreamotion can try to manipulate or control either the ice elementals themselves or their attacks. It will only be a brief time, less than a minute, but even that much might be enough to provide openings!
🦵 Aim for the knees! Due to their towering size, aiming low may serve better than trying to go high. Destroy their legs, and they will topple over. However, they can slowly regenerate, so act fast!

II. CANDYLAND

Welcome to Candyland! Everything here is wintry and sweet, and so is everyone else. Upon awakening in this dreamscape, everyone will find themselves transformed to match. Perhaps drastically changed into a unicorn in any combination of colors and sparkles, or part of the winter landscape as an ice sprite, with forms varying from cute pixies to elegant fairies to blocky ice creatures. Some may find themselves mostly the same, but made out of candy. All abilities can be called upon and new ones based on their form can be developed. But those who usually use weapons may find them changed to match their form and setting. Those who turned into unicorns, well—horns and hooves count as weapons, right?

The Ugly Get-Along sweaters from town will also appear inside, which may make crossing through Candyland and the mountain ahead a bit more…interesting. But everyone must hurry through to reach the Ice Queen.

(Note: Players do not have to strictly follow die rolls and can select specific prompts or locations if they wish, but it is otherwise encouraged for more silliness and fun!)

A. Playing the Game. Traversal through Candyland is akin to a board game with some changes. Dreamwalkers must roll a large gummy die to determine what color square they must move to. (Number corresponds to position on the list, ie 1 = red, 2 = orange, etc). Simple enough, but there's a catch–each color space has an effect, and they are unfortunately at the whims of the board. Only after the effect is enacted can they roll again and keep moving forward. The effects will be strongest on the square and can last for a little while even after moving from the square. (Note: rolls are going to mostly be for the individual character for ease of meeting others on the board, however the die may randomly decide to be used for the group for a few turns.)

🟥 Combat alert! Here come the cherry bats–fight them off!
🟧 People can suddenly hear all unfiltered thoughts and they can't lie about them.
🟨 Oops! The first thing they touch is now stuck to them and can't be removed until either the next yellow square or until the end of the game.
🟩 Time for a little nap. No one's in a hurry, right? Go on, just lie down on that marshmallow bed and close those weary eyes for five minutes. (Or longer.)
🟦 They must eat five random flavors of jelly beans from a jar of every flavor possible. Pick a winner and see how well they do.
🟪 Everyone is suddenly slimed, causing their movements and speech to be sluggish as if in slow motion. This effect will last for a few squares.

B. Special Locations. Sometimes the die will suddenly shake and turn completely pink and change to an eight sided die. Players must now roll again and see which location they will be ported to. Each location will provide some kind of item or bonus that can be helpful for dealing with the frigid threats and dangers of the ice mountain. (IMPORTANT: A character can potentially go through all locations, but they are limited to two items or buffs gained. They can swap what they have as they progress, but they will still only end with two rewards gained from the locations.)

🌳 Gingerbread Plum Trees. Where Plumpy sits eating plums from his gingerbread trees. Help him collect some plums and in return he will let them take a small basket. Give these plums to anyone who is starting to freeze and they will immediately start to thaw.
🍬 Peppermint Forest. A snowy thicket of peppermint candy canes. Mr. Mint will ask those who arrive to help chop down the canes and will let them have one or two to turn into durable weapons to fight against the monsters of the mountain. Mr. Mint will also give them a handful of special peppermints that will help re-energize those who may be sluggish from the cold.
🏰 Licorice Castle. A black and red licorice castle with licorice bats. Help Lord Licorice clear the bats and he will reward with both red and black pieces of licorice. Red will burn for a long time, making it useful as a torch. Black is a risky one to eat due to its taste, but it will help warm one's belly—or give fire breath.
⛰️ Gumdrop Mountains. A shortcut to bring players closer to the mountains. Jolly will help guide them through and tell those who make it to mine all the gum drops they can, as they can be used as destructive explosives that can break through ice and walls.
🥜 Peanut Brittle House. A cottage made of peanut brittle with peanut plants growing outside. Gramma Nutt needs part of her house repaired by using a bucket of peanut butter and smearing chopped nuts over the broken patches. In return, she will give peanut brittle bombs that will explode and make everything sticky.
🍭 Lollipop Woods. A forest of rainbow lollipops resembling trees and easy to get lost in. Guide Princess Lolly out of this confusing forest by finding and following the swirling lollipops. Upon reaching the exit, Lolly will give them a special lollipop wand that will conjure a set of swirling portals that will allow those who go through to cross over short distances.
🍨 Ice Cream Sea. A bubbly ice cream sea where Queen Frostine resides. To pass through, they must build ice cream float boats or else swim through the sticky sea. At least it's tasty, and traversing through either by boat or swim will grant everyone an ice resistance buff that will last for half an hour upon entering the mountain. It has a long cooldown before it activates again.
🍯 Molasses Swamp. A swamp of molasses with brown popsicle plants guarded by Gloppy. Those who end up here will end up having to trudge through the sticky swamp, but collecting some could be useful to help slow or even trap hostile foes in the mountain.

Bonus: Liopleurodon. At random times, a strange creature will appear in the space Dreamwalkers are trying to get onto. It will only move if they can create a candy made of dreamotion and feed it. They have three attempts, and if they fail or the taste is not to its liking, the liopleurodon will knock them with its tail back several spaces or to a random location. If they are successful, however, then it will send them ahead several spaces. (Players will roll again to determine what space or location to use next.)

III. FROZEN MOUNTAIN

Should they manage to reach the end of the board, they will find themselves staring up a giant mountain. From the distance it looked like any other mountain, but closer inspection reveals that it, too, was once made of candy. However, it's all frozen over and instead of sweet, delicious delights, monstrous creatures lurk within its halls…including music that just continuously plays.

Transformations will remain, so this trek may prove challenging to some. Utilize the bonus buffs and items gained from the game to get through!

A. Don't Freeze. Forget about Jack Frost nipping at their noses, the chill from the mountain will constantly threaten to freeze everyone inside. They must work hard to keep warm, using dreamotion, positive thoughts, and other means to do so. Otherwise they risk freezing into a frozen statue and must be dethawed or they'll be kicked out of the dreamscape. Jack Frost will help by trying to drop random items that can be used for warmth: coats, gloves, scarves, blankets, torches, pocket heaters, hot water bottles. Hey, he's an ice spirit he can only do so much.

B. Monsters. There are numerous monsters and aggressive creatures that lurk through the halls of this frigid mountain. Fire is definitely the way to go, but any candy buffs and items received from the Candyland game will also drive them away. They apparently don't like sweets.

❄️ Ice elementals. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they will cast freezing magic and those caught in it will slowly start to freeze up. Gum drop bombs will destroy these quick, with the licorice, plums, and peppermints aiding those frozen. Those who are Ice sprites may be able to sneak past without being noticed.
🐻 Yetis. These large creatures will hurl giant snowballs. Counter with the peanut brittle bombs to hinder their movements. Those who are made of candy will deter yetis as they are not a fan of candy and will run away in fright.
🐐 Five-horned mountain goats. These goats will charge at anything they see and those horns are not something you want to get maimed with. Molasses will be great to slow them down. Those who are unicorns may find themselves with an admirer instead as the goats will find them quite lovely and enchanting.
🐍 Ice snake. One look from these white snakes will instantly freeze any caught in their gaze. The eyes on the ice surface will also cast the curse. Any of the Candyland items will be good against these, especially if they can cover the eyes, or use the lollipop portals to try and skip over them. Plums will be needed to rescue anyone caught. There is no transformation advantage.

C. Ice Mirrors. Made from frozen ice, the mirrors will reflect twisted visions of loss and abandonment. Loved ones suddenly leaving; homes in ruin or desolation; their own reflection in an empty void. Yet rather than despair, there will be a strange feeling of acceptance as the cold begins to wrap around them, as if it's better to be alone than to have things around them. Not only must the affected be pulled back, but the mirrors must be destroyed. Doing so will release a golden colored light that will fill a crystal chalice that will just mysteriously appear and disappear. The more lights captured, the fuller it will get.

🪞 Mirror effects. Those who stare into the ice for too long will be drawn towards it, and should they touch the surface they will begin to freeze over. They must be pulled back and warmed up both physically and convincing them of good things from their lives.
💥 Destroy the mirrors. Break the mirrors in any way possible. Dreamotion and Candyland items, especially gum drop bombs will work.

D. Ice Queen. Those who make it through the mountain halls and the mirrors will find the throne room where the Ice Queen sits. Right in the middle of her chest is a giant shard of glass stained black, the nightmare energy palpable even from the entrance. That's clearly the problem, and the solution? The crystal chalice will appear and Jack's voice will be heard urging them to somehow pour it over that shard. Getting there will, of course, be a challenge as the Queen herself will stir upon hearing Jack's voice and start shrieking like a banshee, creating an ice storm within the room and summoning beasts that must be fought. Physical attacks will be effective, but dreamotion and anything based on positive, warm emotions and ideas will also help, especially to stave off the intense nightmare energy that will be around. The lollipop portals will also be useful in traversing through the room, even if cast in mid-air.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Once it sounds like Hiyori's stopped shivering or at least her teeth chattering, he quickly takes his hands back and straightens up to put some distance between them. It's the best he can manage, being stuck and all.

His attention now fully on the gumdrop, his piercing blue eyes narrow at it, seemingly threatening the thing.]

L-Listen for yourself!

[Because he's not about to repeat what it's saying. Not at the possible risk of getting suplexed into the ground for his efforts in case Hiyori were to get the wrong idea.

Once she finally hears what it's saying, though, he jabs a finger at it again.]

This is what I've been talking about! They've been trying to pull this crap on me all day!

[And now he's stuck here.]

[ repeating what kokoro is chanting isn't what gives her the wrong idea, as it happens. the gumdrop just chirps "kiss!!" at yato pointing at him, happy and expectant.

wait. they've been pulling THIS on him all day? is he saying...

is he saying that ]

Y-YOU'VE BEEN KISSING PEOPLE?!

[Somehow, Yato completely missed filling her in on one important detail: that there's other color gumdrops who chant things other than "kiss" and "smooch."

You can practically hear the crash of his consciousness colliding with the notion she's got, leading to him flailing about in a panic.]

NO NO NO! I HAVEN'T KISSED ANYONE! THE RED ONES-- THEY WANT YOU TO FIGHT! AND THE WHITE ONES ARE ALL BUDDY-BUDDY! This is my first time coming across a pink one!!

My chastity is intact, thankyouverymuch!

[ such a crucial detail. one he corrects quickly enough. which phew!! er, no, not phew. she doesn't care? who he kisses?? no, that's not true. she does care. she cares a lot. if she remembers that drunk moment with bishamon that she kept on her phone...

UGH.

although she looks at him suspiciously, and her hands have made fists at her sides, the conflicted expression on her face eases. no wonder he was all offended at her carrying one of them around if they've been pestering him, making him do things all day.

making him be social and fight. ]

Th-there's more of Kokoro around?! In different colors?! [ and the KISS one latched to her. this place is so strange.

why is he talking about his chastity she didn't need that ]

W-well, it's not like we have to... [ whether she means to or not, her eyes are drawn to his mouth. ] I have been avoiding it just fine!!

[ to prove it, she tries to pick up her foot to move away. ]

[ it does not budge. ~~hmm this seems familiar~~

dglkdgjDKLGJDKL ]

Kokoro! Let me go!!

[ kokoro does not let them go. ]

[At least he was quick to clear up that misunderstanding before it got even more convoluted and hijinky? He's just relieved that she had no idea about the kind of power the gumdrops hold, because that means that it hasn't been forcing her into compromising positions all day like they have been with him.

But why, oh why did a damn kissing one have to latch onto her?! Couldn't it have been a red one so they could just do their usual Hiyori-kicking-his-ass routine and be done with it?? No. Of course not. Life's not that simple. Life in Songerein is even less simple than elsewhere.]

You haven't noticed?? They've been following me everywhere I go! [Maybe it's different for humans? Perhaps they don't get stuck attracting all the supernatural creatures this side of town...

Watching her try to pick up her foot to leave gives him a glimmer of hope. Perhaps it's only affecting him and she'll be able to head home while he just... stands here... until... sometime.

No such luck, though. Huh. Why does this give him an odd sense of deja vu...]

Kokoro, you little bastard! Let us go! [Hey, at least he used the thing's name? Or the one Hiyori's given it, anyway. Not that it helps. All the damn creature does is wiggle its cute little legs and rear back with more "Smooch~! Kiss!" orders.

Shit.]

What do we do now?

[ convoluted and hijinky is their folly.

poor yato. she would feel sympathy for all the things he might've been subjected to if she wasn't currently caught up in their current troublesome plight. an issue she's mirACULOUSLY avoided until now, yes, since kokoro took a liking to her. as if biding his time, waiting for his moment to strike--

supernatural attracts the supernatural. the same way hiyori's half-phantom form is attracted to gods and spirits by their smell. kokoro and all his buddies might be drawn in by yato's smell too..? imagine.

there's no concern when it comes to being cold anymore, at least. she feels like she's going to start sweltering.

"kiss!" and "smooch!!" continues to chime in her ear and she slowly ducks her head so she doesn't look at his mouth again. her shyness takes over, shoulders lifting toward her ears.

kiss? kiss yato? ]

I don't know. [ LIVE HERE FOREVER? the gumdrop answers with the obvious. "smooch! muah!" ]

I-if I was Bishamon-san, I guess it wouldn't be a big deal...

[ hiyori no. ]

[Honestly, this may be the most trying of everything he's gone through today, if only because this is with someone he knows and gives a damn about. He doesn't want what they have - their friendship - to be messed up by some overgrow candy slugs! Cute as they are, he has to admit.

If it really is him that's causing these things to act out, then would that mean their current situation is also his fault? ~~Like always...~~ If so, it's up to him to try fixing it without spoiling everything. Somehow. Maybe if he just... hacked the thing up.....

Yeah, no. That wouldn't fly for a minute. Kinda like attacking the catfish wasn't an option.

Though Yato himself certain doesn't feel the effects of the cold anymore, either. Not in all his new winter wear and the chanting of "kiss!" and other suggestions being given to them.]

Geez... What a mess. [His eyes narrow at the cheerfulness of the gumdrop. It's having way too much fun at their expense. Although it really seems like Hiyori isn't having a good time all of a sudden. His eyes are drawn to hers at the comment, and he gives her a confused look.]

Huh? [What's the skank got to do with anything?] What do you mean?

[ that's how they getcha, yato. cuteness to mask their super nefarious goals of social interaction. good and bad. so it's not his fault. if it's anybody's? it's hiyori's for carrying (in his words) the damn thing around like it's a pet. naming it, doting on it, enjoying its presence hanging out on her shoulder so she's all but Doomed wherever she goes.

except she wasn't? until now.

it sure is a big mess. hiyori keeps quiet except for her comment about bishamon. he couldn't have forgotten AGAIN, right? she nearly takes it back because it's petty to bring it up again, she's being dumb, but something about how bothered yato is by this bothers her. ]

I, just... you know! How you k-kissed her at the party! I told you about it before and the picture-- doing it again wouldn't be a big deal... if she was in my place, right? [ right?? is that how it works?? ] And you wouldn't have to be stuck here.

[ "muah! muah! kiiiiss!" oh my GOD kokoro please. hiyori reaches up and covers his mouth. at least her shivering has stopped. any stumbling over her words is now because of nervousness. ]

[It sure has worked to lure in a cuteness sucker like Hiyori. Yato's made of tougher stuff than that, though, thank you! Usually. Most of the time. Not that he would ever blame her outright for getting them into this situation, since how could she know what their ridiculous power was if they never bothered to use it on her? And at least it's not malevolent in any way. Just... a bit fruity.

And no, he didn't forget about the not!kiss with Bishamon. He's just not sure what his drunken antics have to do with the situation at hand. He's just... so confused right now. By all of this. Adjusting the hat on his head, he frowns down at her, brows furrowed.]

T-That didn't count! It wasn't an actual kiss! And I was drunk! I don't even remember it, despite you showing me the picture. [He blinks at her comments about doing it again, gears slowly turning as his brain starts making the connections. Is she... thinking that he'd just come right out and kiss Bishamon with no problem what so ever in a situation like this?]

Hiyori, it wouldn't be like that at all. If anything, I'd be stuck here longer since me and her would just fight the whole damn time.

[At least with Hiyori, he feels that, if push came to shove, she would be more agreeable to k-kissing. Though the thought alone colors his cheeks a deep red and forces him to drag his eyes away from her face, instead going to their feet which aren't so far apart.]

Are you-- [No. There's no way. Why would she be. Stupid.] Are you sure we can't just squeeze that thing. Just a little bit tight? [Enough to get it to quit screwing around with them.]

[ she is a HUGE cuteness sucker. songerein is her foil with all the cute animals!!

here they go again, arguing over whether or not it was a kiss. ]

It does count!! Argh, I'm not doing this again. [ to her, it counts. to him, it doesn't. they can leave it at that, right? they can have differing opinions. that's fine. that's normal.

yes, she does believe that he would just kiss bishamon with no problem in this situation. exactly. because he's already done it. maybe he needed to be drunk, but he did it.

it wouldn't be like that, he says. some of the tenseness of her shoulders weakens.

with no idea what's on his mind, she assumes he's blushing at the idea of being stuck here with bishamon for longer, though. back to square one. as much as she wants yato and bishamon to reconcile, kissing was not an expected outcome.

and she's starting to come to understand why she doesn't want that, too. and that... is... a lot. right now. with her hand over kokoro's mouth, his chiming "kiss" is now much more muffled. ]

No squeezing. [ no hurting animals, yato! they've been through this, too. ]

... But I am wondering if we can get someone to take Kokoro far away so that we might get free. I think... it's his proximity that does it. So if we separate him from us, we don't have to... [ do what kokoro won't keep quiet about. ]

[Why do all the cute animals have to come with freaky effects??

But yeah, they shouldn't waste their time trying to argue over what's already been done. There's no point to it. Sighing, he lets his shoulders sag. It's seeming even more likely that she really does have some kind of hang up against him having any potential romantic interests.

But that would mean--

It would explain a lot. So much. And yet, he can't bring himself to believe it. There has to be another explanation. After all, why does she seem so adverse to the idea if she actually...?

Shaking his head, he drags his eyes back up to stare at Kokoro for being the guilty party here, keeping them glued in place like rats stuck to a trap.]

Tch, fine. [Didn't hurt to ask. Y'know. Just in case.]

That makes sense. We could try that. Since apparently the idea is so unappealing. [Yes, he's pouting outright, now. It's obvious that she doesn't want to follow the gumdrop's friendly suggestion/order. So it must be him that's the problem. He's the only other factor in this equation here, after all.]

[ could be reverein's charm point? to everyone but yato.

hiyori's? BLATANTLY SIDESTEPPING THE OBVIOUS SOMETIMES. just like that thought. don't finish it, yato. that's dangerous. very dangerous.

okay. alright, maybe she deserves that dig but she fights that idea without a second thought: ]

What? I didn't say that. It's not that it's un-- [ record scratch. no. nono. no WAIT. her hand falls away from kokoro's mouth so she can wave both around frantically in front of her face. ] I mean! I--!! Don't, that's not...!

[ crapcrapcrap. it looks as though steam is coming off the top of her head now. ]

D-d-don't put words in my mouth!! If I could move, I'd put you in a headlock!!

[He wouldn't mind them so much if they would just leave him the hell alone!!

This whole situation is dangerous tbh. It's like playing Russian Raburabulette. Where they both might either win or lose, depending on how things shake out. And right now it seems they're leaning toward the losing side. As all that flailing seems to signal to him that she hates the idea even more than even first thought initially.

It makes him hunch up his shoulders more, shoving his hands into his pockets with a huff.]

Oh yeah? In that case why don't you come over here and do so??

[Feeling combative and more than a little defensive, he stares her down with what is clear hurt in his eyes. His cheeks are still burning bright as he immediately bites his lip, regretting the outburst.

Stupidstupidstupid--! Just because he's had a rough day doesn't mean he should take it out on her.]

[ no dice. it's their job or something to antagonize him.

did he not hear the part where she practically and very loosely admitted that the idea is not unappealing to her? ]

I can't move, Yato! [ both of them! can't move!!

when hiyori next makes eye contact with yato after her groan of frustration, the harm her words had unintentionally brought to him is there in his eyes, glaring and sharp. their only mercy is that the chanting for "smooch" "kiss" "muah"s have been put on hold.

hiyori struggles to say what she needs to, to breathe, to admit what she knows is true. they're losing at this raburabulette, yes, but it's not over. ]

... I'm sorry. I told you I would be open and honest and I'm not doing that. [ there is a deep, DEEP breath through her nose. what's the worst that can happen? she's embarrassed. that ship has already sailed. ]

If it... were a k-kiss to my hand or something, thatwouldn'tbeunappealingtomeatall.

[He's not best pleased with this job description of theirs...

It got lost in the sauce of miscommunication somewhere along the line. Probably because he assumed from the outset that she wouldn't want to kiss him because, well, it's him. She never likes his other displays of affection, so why in the world would she like something as overtly romantic and meaningful as a kiss?]

Guess you're gonna have to stand there then, so nyeh! [It's just like when he teased her about being a ghost when they first met, except now there's more meaning behind it. Instead of it being a joke at her expense, it's a defensive reaction from how much it stings to think that she'd probably rather be anywhere but stuck here with him.

After all, didn't she want it to be Bishamon instead of her?

Thank goodness the smoochie noises have ceased for the time being, at least. Small mercies and all that. It still does nothing for the sting in his heart, though. What does, however, is her next words.]

Huh? [She's not being honest? Then what was all that about? He stares harder at her, brows furrowed in confusion.]

A kiss to your hand...? [What'd she say? It sounded like... wouldn't be unappealing. Meaning. Would be appealing. Meaning. She might... like it. His expression softens in surprise, his entire face taking on a pink tinge.]

I-In that case, d...did you... want me to try...? [Don't make him say it further!!]

[ that's probably the natural response tbh.

assuming she wouldn't is his first mistake. not that hiyori has done much at ALL to prove otherwise. all the ignoring and wrestling moves and hot and cold attitude towards him like she can't make up her mind. it's no wonder he doesn't know what to believe when she says things.

as much as she fumes over his poking fun, she has since learned it's better not to respond to his mockery. he's like a kid sometimes. ]

... Y, yeah. That.

[ a lot of wires are getting crossed here so she's glad to get this one (1) thing straightened out. she should have expected yato's offer. though she didn't. she inhales a sharp breath at the thought. he's... done it before. or very close to it. during a fireworks show, yato brought her hand up to his face and asked her what he should believe.

she should make him say it further but she's way too damn nice to. not only that, but she'd rather continue to operate on some unsaid things for a while longer.

not saying a word, hiyori stretches her right hand out toward him gingerly in answer.

as if on cue, "kiss, kiss, kiss!" ]

Kokoro!

[It's that back and forth that always gets him, leaving him unsure what to think other than yes, they're friends, but how much really bothers her and just how much does she put up with because they're friends? So really, it's only natural for him to assume that this would be something else she would feel icked out by.

Not a romantic bone in her body, some days. That's all him, truthfully. It makes teasing her for it that much easier.

But for now teasing is off the table as they finally start communicating better and more clearly. ....well, slightly more clearly. It's a start, yeah? Hiyori's made it mostly obvious she wouldn't be wholly opposed to a kiss of sorts, and he's extended the offer to try freeing them via said action.

Progress!!!

Almost timidly, he takes her hand in his, drawing it up as he starts to bend down to meet it. His own hand shakes somewhat and he has to scrunch his eyes closed as the chanting begins anew. He's getting there, dammit!!]

--!!

[In one swift motion he plants a light peck on the back of her hand and glances up. Tries to lift his foot to no avail. Apparently just the brief act alone isn't enough to secure their release.]

Dammit... L-Let me try again. [He gives it another go, longer this time, but still nothing changes. Standing up red in the face, he jabs a finger at Kokoro.] Okay, you! What gives?!

[ there's no answer to that. hiyori isn't all that sure herself where the line of friends ends. especially not at this moment. maybe the lack of any romantic inclination is the blame for that. maybe something else.

either way, this is a start. it's a sight better than their usual struggle and fumble through however they might label their relationship. best friend comes about as close as hiyori is willing to admit aloud right now. and best friends aren't opposed to kissing each other when it's necessary. probably. hand kiss? easy.

the first light peck doesn't work to get them free but it suuuure does get hiyori's heart racing and for the edges of her vision to spark. or that's actual sparks. thanks, dreamotion.

yato trying again a second time and hiyori unable to refuse for one reason or another makes those sparks brighter. like little fireworks exploding over her head. pew, pew, pew, pop!! bright and colorful glints of light flash in front of her eyes.

kokoro seems pretty happy about this and jumps down from hiyori's shoulder. he's been sitting there for so long, trying to trap her, he would be happy with ANY kiss. no matter how small. it leaves them with another chirrup of "kiss!!" and leaves a small box behind.

bye bye, kokoro. unfortunately, hiyori's actual kokoro won't shut up now. not with any mantra of 'kiss' but of a deafening, thunderous beat. ]

[Their relationship hasn't been clear cut since almost the beginning when Hiyori decided to drop the -san suffix from his name. Yato at least knows where he'd like the line of friendship to be drawn, but that's not something for him to decide.

But at least they're taking some steps forward, no matter how small they may be. There's something to be said for progress in tiny increments as well as huge leaps. Though wouldn't friends that kiss each other other be more than friends...? Or at least friends with benefits?? He's fairly sure that's what it would constitute as. Well. Whatever!

The popping noisy startles Yato into glancing up at Hiyori's eyes, so bright and full of emotion that he has to quickly look away again or be swept along into them. At least one of them's getting worked up enough to satisfy the gumdrop? It sure isn't him; he's too nervous about it not working to focus on what he's really doing, aside from fulfilling a dream he's always had.

It's just... not at all like he pictured it. He expected to feel more... well, of a thrill, like Hiyori apparently did. It's actually a little unfair, and leaves him pouting as Kokoro hops down and vanishes with a gift left behind for them. Scratching at his head, he picks up a foot and takes a step closer just to test the waters.]

Geez... What a nosy little critter that was. All that for a tiny smooch, too. [Glancing at her, he bites his lip a bit.] You, uh, okay there? It seemed like it was setting you off... [He can't tell if it was in a good or bad way, though.]

[ that... was his fault. she could have kept calling him yato-san if he didn't comment on how it annoyed him. the only way to deal with that was to drop it. where would they be if he was yato-san? where would THAT line be drawn?

what are friends with benefits! she doesn't know that term!!

it's most likely his nervousness that keeps the thrill away. it wasn't a conscious decision on her part. hiyori's mind went strangely blank as she watched him lean down before yato's lips met the back of her hand. once so light to barely be felt, then twice. and then all she could think about was that tiny bit of pressure on her skin. how lips are strangely warmer than she thought they would be. how his hair tickled before it was all drowned out by her heart.

hiyori doesn't move a muscle as yato finds his freedom again and steps closer. she inhales sharply. ] H-huh? What? No, I'm! I-I'm fine. I'm not set off.

[ tiny smooch. says him. yeah, she's the only one getting worked up. again. get ahold of yourself. ]

I-I'm glad that worked, at least. [ pulling her hand away and rubbing the spot he kissed idly. eventually, she notices the box on the ground and bends down to pick it up. ] What's this...?

[ opening the box reveals

one

gumdrop candy inside. ]

........ Um.

[They certainly wouldn't be as close as they are now, he's sure of that. Though he'd rather like to imagine where things could've gone had he been Yato-sama instead, hehe...

Those are friends who give you dental and medical coverage, naturally!!

Annoyance, too. He's still peeved at the tiny creature even though it's freed them, left a gift, and skedaddled. Hell, he's now more focused on what they got in return for their troubles than the whole ordeal of having to kiss her hand. It just... wasn't quite as big a deal as he thought it would be. Maybe because he'd been expecting (and secretly hoping for) an actual kiss to be the requirement. So anything less than that just... doesn't register.

Even though Hiyori says she's fine, he can't help reaching out to push some hair back from her face. Those sparks went off awfully close to her; he wouldn't want her to have gotten burned.] Hrm... If you say so.

[Taking a step back, he shoves his hands back into his pockets. Tiny smooch, yeah. No big deal. Just a little kiss. Nothing like what he did with Bishamon, apparently. HUFF...]

You and me both. We might have been stuck there a while if it hadn't. [Because neither one of them would likely cross the other line in order to get free. Not without a lot of convincing, anyway. Less convincing than it takes for Kokoro to leave them a present, it seems.] Let's see it--

[A... single gumdrop?] Great. It took a shit. [yato plz]

[ he would be pleased to find out then, as she hands out little capypers on christmas, she is calling him yatogami-sama. to show respect. to her god. while interacting with strangers.

conversely, hiyori would be pleased to find out friends give you dental and medical!! neat!!

it's not a big deal to him, maybe. like brushing her hair back isn't a big deal to him but makes her stare at him, stunned and lips parted? sh-she does say so. just not right now because her voice isn't cooperating.

what's with his reaction, anyway...? all the pouting and sulking and huffing? what is he so upset about?? for the record, it IS nothing like what he did with bishamon! there's no denying that. he doesn't remember the way he passionately smooched her, er, the back of his hand on her mouth, ok! she doesn't anticipate he would ever, not that she could ask if he would--

point is! she's still plenty flustered by that Tiny Smooch™ and will be for a while. take that as you will. ]

Wh, no?! It's not...! Kokoro wouldn't leave--

[ gumdrop shit. yato PLEASE... yet it does seem like it. she closes the box up and lowers her arms, hanging her head. ] Ugh. It doesn't matter what it is. W-we're free and that's what actually matters, right? [ with her freedom, she's going to head to the door that leads outside now that she's thawed out well enough. ]

[HE ISSSS. He may have to come check up on her later, hehe...

Hiyori plz...

Well, he's doing his best to trust her words, so he'll accept her answer for what it is, not pressing the matter further. Or getting further up into her space. Because that's pretty damn dangerous right there. He just doesn't quite realize it yet. Not without it being pointed out for him.

All of his disgruntled reactions are the culmination of his attempts to not pitch a fit at missing out on what could've been a romantic moment for them to share. So instead of flailing about and crying, he settles for sulking and huffing. He's learning! Now if only he could learn what to do with all these feelings he has for her...

But he doesn't know, and thus resorts to behaving like a child, pouting over their "gift" that was left for them. All that hassle, for this? Sheesh...]

It's a turd.

[Stated matter-of-factly and with zero enthusiasm. Leave it to the little shit to leave them a little shit.] Ah, yeah, guess so. [As Hiyori starts to leave, he suddenly reaches out to catch her by the arm, a faint redness creeping onto his cheeks.]

Hiyori--! [Ah, er, um...] ...be careful out there, okay?

WHAT DO I WIN

wwtd - 2023-12-16 12:11 (UTC) - Expand

THE HEAD OF OUR ENEMY?? HAHAHA....

intertwinedfates - 2023-12-16 12:28 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ frozen nightmare }

THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT

1/2

FOR THAT WE THANK YOU.........

WE THANK THE YATOGAMI, WHO ART IN HEAVEN...

1/2

HARROWED BE THEY NAME AND THAT ICON LMAO

I WAS SAVING IT FOR A ASPECIAL OCCASSION LMAO

THIS FITS YEAH

PERFECT OPPORTUNITY

REMINDS ME i should make more icONS TOOo

YESSS MORE ICONSSS

ONE DOWN

MANY MORE TO GO

HOW MANY BLUSHING ICONS CAN I HAVE: THE GAME

ANSWER: PROBABLY AS MANY AS YATO HAS LOL

HOW MANY........ DOES HE HAVE NOW

35 AT LEAST HAHASDFGHJ

HE BLUSHES A LOT!!!!

HE DOES!!! SOMETIMES SMALL, SOMETIMES HUUUUGE

i do like da beeg floosh

I know one character we'd like to floosh haha 🚽

three guesses who!!!!!

and the first two don't count!!!

starts with f ends with ather

that's the one!

WHAT DO I WIN

THE HEAD OF OUR ENEMY?? HAHAHA....