songerein | { mirror mirror }

Entry tags:

{ mirror mirror }

MIRROR MIRROR

With the sleepwalking curse over, everyone will have some time to rest and recuperate—until Jack Frost comes barging in with news of a clue on how to help his beloved Ice Queen who still remains asleep. The clue was the mirror shard that was in her chest, and there are theories that it may have been a fragment of a much stronger, powerful mirror she had been given some time ago. Problem is, he can't find it nor can he remember who gave it to her. He does, however, have a magic incantation that will allow people to enter mirrors and hopefully find a trace. Unfortunately, this horrendously backfires and we have mirror chaos instead. Dammit, Jack.

More details on everything can be found here. We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC .

I. REVEREIN

II. MIRROR WORLD

COMMENTS

I. REVEREIN

It all begins in Reverein, where there's a strange shift in the air upon Jack's attempt to cast the spell. But instead of affecting just one mirror, it reflects off the surface and spreads out to the entire town, hitting every reflective surface instead. Ripples can be seen before the surfaces still, but it's too late. Every reflective surface—glass, mirror, window—is under a different effect because of the botched spell.

And some are being unwittingly pulled into them.

Fortunately It is possible to communicate and even watch people from the other side of the mirror, but it's only through certain mirrors and at certain times. It also will be temporary, so while one mirror might work one time, it may not work again.

A. Strange Reflections. While some mirrors may still reflect proper images, many will have…unusual changes.

🪞 You are what you see. Whether it's an odd hairstyle, change in skin color, or style of clothing in the reflection, suddenly the viewer will look exactly like what's reflected. The most extreme is a different form entirely.
🏡 Glimpses of home. Everyone will have a rare glimpse of their home world, and these can be instances from the past, present, or even a limited future. They are just reflections and cannot be interacted with, and future reflections may be blurry to prevent the person from seeing too much. For those who have memory issues, such visions will also be blurry, but perhaps they can help stir some things…
🔮 Most desired. Mirrors that have a bit of a pink hue to them will reflect the viewer's most desired "thing." It could be an object, person, place, or even a general idea. However, if not careful the viewer may become trapped in a trance and will need to be removed or smash the mirror.

B. Clone Wars. Mirrors that do not show any kind of reflection are to be quickly taken away and covered as it will begin to create duplicates in Reverein of what is reflected within it. Yes, even people, and they will be very obviously fake: wrong colors, different voices, odd behavior, etc. and will usually be harmless. These "clones" will continue to appear and multiply until the mirror has been covered, and will need to either be destroyed or captured and shoved into the mirror, where it will lose its "no reflection" status and become a proper mirror again…only for them to appear on the other side in Mirror World.

C. Mirrorsnatched. A mirror with a black rim has the chance of absorbing a significant personality trait or memory of the one looking into it, and when this happens, the person will walk away feeling very muddle-headed and off. The mirror will "keep" this part of the person and someone from the Mirror World side must find their essence and "shove" it back out onto any mirror surface so that the original owner can break the mirror and retrieve it. The downside of this method is that breaking a mirror means one less mirror those on the Mirror side can use, so they need to choose carefully.

D. The Unknown. Appearing in both the Mirror World and Reverein will be a strange mirror masked, black cloaked figure called "The Unknown." It traverses through the mirrors and through the walls, seeking those with happy reflections and will try to corrupt them with nightmares. People on both sides of the mirrors will be able to confront and try to stop the Unknown, though beware its chocolate attacks.

II. MIRROR WORLD

Everything in this "Mirror World" is, in a word, chaotic. Imagine an AI-generated monstrosity based off of Picasso, Escher, and Dr. Seuss, where everything seems to be upside down, backwards, colors everywhere and nowhere, and everything feels so fragmented that one step feels like walking towards the edge of a cliff. In a way it's nightmarish in an unusual sense, and those inside can feel that touch of "madness" that seeps through the cold air.

Beware the strange creatures in the Mirror World. They are grotesque monstrosities, many of them looking as if they were stitched together from different parts. Fortunately they are susceptible to weapons and dreamotion and those inside the Mirror World will find they are able to use different abilities, especially those with reflective properties.

A. Fragment of their old self. In order to get out of the Mirror World, those inside will need to catch a small fragment of themselves that has escaped and is running around. This fragment is actually a piece of their old self prior to arriving in Songerein. For some, this self may not be so different, but for long-time residents, they may seem a lot more different. To make things more interesting, this self can be from any point of the character's past. It just has to be a version of the character from before entering Songerein. This version will also appear "homesick" and "want" to return to their original home, regardless if the character actually feels that way. Thus the fragment will seek out mirrors that will reflect anything of their home world. Shattering these mirrors will weaken the fragment until it can be caught. But that's only half the challenge. If the fragment is injured, the original will also feel the damage but to a lesser degree. If the fragment is destroyed, then the original will be "knocked out" for a few seconds before a new fragment appears. However, this fragment will be much more distorted and worse than the one before.

B. Distorted Memories. At random points while traversing, characters may come across strange pockets of the world that they will feel drawn to. Following said instinct will lead them to a shifted landscape that will reflect images of home from different points in time (past, present, maybe even future) as if they've just walked right into it, but just like everything else, they are distorted. The changes can be as subtle as the wrong color of clothes, having too many limbs, to something major like the sky now being the ground. The only way out will either be destroying the anomalies or correcting them, and they will be rewarded with a mirror shard that will aid in their escape.

C. Warped Sense of Self. The longer a person stays within the Mirror World, the less "coherent" they will feel, and sometimes sound. Their memories will slowly become more disjointed, their personality feeling a bit "off", and they may even forget who they are or where they are from. Even their physical selves will start to twist and change, starting with something subtle (e.g. eye color) and then growing more drastic as time goes on (where did those extra fingers come from? Or why are they suddenly much shorter?) Finding those reflections of home will help with these anomalies, but those weak of heart be warned: the distortions may only exacerbate the issue and make them believe that they are the truth instead. Help anyone who might be caught in fixing these so that they can recover.

D. Finding an exit. To leave the world, those inside must find a mirror that will connect back to Reverein, and those on the other side can also try to help by posing as "anchors" for those inside to recognize. Otherwise, there are many mirrors in the Mirror World that will lead to different places within Songerein—presumably. However, perhaps due to the magic or needing something else, they will be unable to pass through any mirrors that are not connected to Reverein. This is where players have the fun opportunity to make up whatever kind of location or place the characters may see reflected on the mirrors. They could be existing locations in the game, or new ones that could be explored in the future. One unique place we can mention will be reflections of a city covered in night.

Only upon finding a mirror that leads back to Reverein, but they will also need help from the outside. Someone from within Reverein must also be there to physically reach in and pull them out—while hopefully not accidentally be pulled in themselves.

I. REVEREIN

II. MIRROR WORLD

COMMENTS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[They do indeed possess his memories up to the point they were created, hence their attempts at swaying her go on for a little longer before tapering off into pathetic whimpers, sighs, and more mumbled apologies.

None of them want to upset her, even if they are jealous of their original self getting to be the one clinging to the object of their affections. So unfair...!]

We just wanna be loved, too.

And have fun!

Is it really cheating if you can't even tell the difference?

[That last bit is muttered sadly as they all obey, even the one in military dress. Whatever's going to happen, he doesn't want to miss out on it even if he is the sensible one.

Thankfully the pat on the head seems to please them all immensely, earning bright smiles. Although the one belonging to Yato with gold eyes widens into a grin as he grasps Hiyori's hand in both his own.]

I know! Make a Hiyori for each of us!

[Suddenly there's cheers from (almost) all the rest of them and they start glomming onto her, trying to encourage her to forward out of the room. A couple grab her by the arms while another pair pries a stunned Yato from around her waist as he starts protesting loudly.]

HEY!! No way! Get the hell off her, you creeps! ---Hiyori!

[ life is unfair, yato gang.

some of hiyori's stalwart obstinance wavers at the yato mentioning they want to be loved. that sounds like yato, alright. what's really unfair? hearing yato's voice say that when SHE DOES LOVE-- SHE CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE NOW, YATO #4!!! i-it's cheating. yatoriginal said so. and if he considers it cheating, she won't do it. besides it's not as though she doesn't? love them? in a way. head patting seems to have done the trick, however, and she smiles back at first. ]

Wh-wha...

[ make a

huh?

WHAT IS GOING ON WHERE ARE THEY GOING. YATORGINAL HELP.

there is some sense in creating a hiyori for each yato, though? no? no, the house is going to get SO CROWDED and NOISY. she doesn't want to be cloned!! somehow, she avoided it every time?!

(the irony of yato calling himself a creep, too) ]

Y-Yato!!

[ reaching back, hiyori stretches out her fingers behind her. ]

[Don't they know it. They all share the same father, after all...

But this seems like such an easy fix to a tricky problem: a Hiyori for every Yato. Hmm. Sounds like a children's book almost. Maybe they could make it into one and earn some money on the side--

Nope, gotta deal with the issue at hand - i.e. the gaggle of Yatos hoisting their beloved human above their heads, tossing her lightly and cheering her name as they start to carry her to the bathroom. The only hesitant one of the group being Mr. Military, though his protests fall on deaf ears; they're too full of excitement (and love) to heed his warnings.

Meanwhile Yato himself struggles to extricate himself from the grasp of... well, himself. Selves. Whatever! Point is, he's fighting like hell, but it's two against one. Suddenly this really sucks major ass.]

Lemme go, you halfwit fakes! And let Hiyori go, too! You can't just do what you want with her, damn it! She's her own person!

[The chants of "Hiyori! Hiyori!" only get louder to drown him out as they turn to march her towards the mirror.

Except their path is abruptly blocked by the blond Yato emerging from the bathroom, who whips a slipper across the faces of the first two holding Hiyori, flooring them instantly.]

Would you guys knock it off?! Put Hiyori down right now! And stop yelling! You're too loud!

[Blond!Yato catches Hiyori in his arms as she slides forward out of the other two Yatos' grips when they gently set her down. Back in her bedroom, the final two Yato clones release their hold on the original, who, after smacking the pair on the back of their heads, stomps forward. The Yatos on the floor get unceremoniously stepped on, then he's there beside Hiyori again, holding her around the shoulders protectively.]

New rule! Anyone who badgers Hiyori gets chucked back in the mirror, got it?!

[ WHY IS SHE BEING TOSSED LIKE SHE JUST WON THE GAME?!?

you know, after this, she doesn't know if she would fight yato about getting rid of the mirrors if he tried again. while they toss her (hip hip hiyori!!) she tilts her head back and witnesses his struggle, too.

listens to him fight for her. a rush of emotion hits her, but she fights back the tide once they round the corner and her yato disappears. the bathroom is right behind that door and they would've reached it too if it weren't for those meddling ki--

if it weren't for yukine!yato. that's who she's immediately reminded of when the slipper comes out, with the blonde hair, and he catches her in his arms while telling everyone else off. stunned, she clings to this one. he's even the one that said "no thanks!"

YUKINEEEEE!!

and then she is sandwiched. between them both.

she

is so red and so hot in the face it's steaming. ]

Wh-hu-ha-help.

[SHE WON THE YATTORY! FIVE YATOS IN A ROW~

At least this is a (mostly) peaceful demonstration of their love?? If completely absurd and a slight violation of her independence. They'll definitely need to have a household meeting to discuss what to do about the mirrors after today. One incident was fine. They can handle a single mishap. Twice is pushing it a bit. A third time, though? In their home? Not cool. Especially when the result is like a rainbow of Yatos causing trouble.

Thankfully blonde!Yato seems to be on their side, patting Hiyori's back reassuringly until his original can come along and turn it into a Hiyori sandwich. It gets the former blushing shyly, but he doesn't quite let go yet, resting his equally red face in her shoulder. Definitely has traces of Yukine in him, it appears.]

S-Sorry. I'm glad you're okay, though.

[Original!Yato ruffles his other self's hair and tucks his face into the other side of Hiyori's neck, making for an even more intimate threesome. He's yet to notice just how flustered she is from this angle.]

Right? You're okay now, Hiyori. I'll sit them all down and have a talk with them. ...if that'll help.

[He mutters mostly to himself, knowing full well what a stubborn idiot he can be. Getting rid of the lot of them is going to be hell, he can see it already. They're too damn attached to Hiyori.

Even now they've all regrouped and have opted to hover around the corner with their almost identical heads peeking out, watching the scene with a mix of jealous and heartbroken looks.]

[ ... okay, this one... this blonde, THIS ONE SHE WOULD GIVE A CHEEK KISS...!

but not right now. now she is overheating like a tea kettle with no more water left to boil. what is happening WHAT IS HAPPENING

don't look at that corner. nope. she is going to stare awkwardly at the floor!! ]

I, I don't know if that'll help.

[ there's a heavy moment and then she sounds very grave. ]

We may have to put their feet in buckets and pour cement in it to keep them out of trouble... [ ah. ] Except for you. I'm glad there's at least one [ two ] of you with some sense.

[ she smiles, beutific, for blonde!yato. ]

[A wise move on her part. For inevitably there would be an ungodly riot at the unfairness of it all. As is, there's hushed mutters and grumbles coming from the general unrest growing in the group. They... may have to do something about them, and soon.

Once the three of them get their heads out of the clouds. Because Yato is perfectly content snuggling up to Hiyori even if there's an extra him hanging on. A him who's very much on equal footing with Hiyori in the flustered department. He doesn't seem to know what to do with all the praise or the notion of going all yakuza on his fellow doubles. Leaning back, he watches Hiyori beam at him, face growing brighter by the moment... Until he makes a break for the kitchen, shouting an apology over his shoulder.]

I'm sorry Hiyoriiiii~

[That gets Yato lifting his head to watch the blonde depart with a puzzled look. Damn, sometimes he can't even understand himself.]

.....am I always this weird?

[He asks her, standing up. His hands drop down so that one catches hers, fingers twining together. Letting her know he's here for her. For real, this time. He's ready for any ambush they might try.]

[ LIFE IS UNFAIR. ]

Yes.

[ IMMEDIATELY ANSWERS, but she turns her resigned smile onto yatoriginal after blinking the fleeing, flame faced blond!yato and squeezes back. she feels a quiet ache in her chest. now and then she thinks of everyone in the waking world and it hurts like this. not terribly, but enough to take a moment to yourself and bring their faces to mind.

good, she still remembers them all.

the others are still hiding around the corner, aren't they? they could learn a thing or two from the blonde-- speaking of. ]

Weirder, though.

[ GIVES THE GROUP A RATHER POINTED LOOK!!! they're born from him ok. ]

[BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE.

Yato huffs at being declared Weird (capital W) with such self-assurance and speed. He's not!! ...that much, anyway. Maybe. POUTS.]

Am not.

[Unaware of her inner turmoil, he holds on just a little tighter to her, as though him being odd might be reason enough for her to shake him off. Even with her turning down his other selves, there's still hints of insecurity lingering in his heart. Like maybe accidentally letting all of himself loose will change her opinion of him. Make her realize she's made a mistake.

His abused heart wouldn't be able to take such a rejection, that much he knows. He's too pathetically weak for it.

At her addition, he opens his mouth to protest, then follows her gaze to the group watching them with pointed interest. One of them waves, another sticks their tongue out at Yato himself, a third discreetly gives him the finger, while a fourth shrugs in defeat. Mr. Military sighs, stepping out from behind the rest.]

Can we come out now? Or are we still in trouble?

[ NO IT SHOULDN'T BE

he shouldn't be offended she called him weird because it WAS with affection. look at her smile. whatever he is, she already chose him. so it's fine if he's a little (a lot) weird at times.

as much as she'd love to have another back and forth ("am not" "are too!") like they usually do, she raises her eyebrows when calling him weird results in him holding her tighter. or... ah. he's eccentric and insane but where is she?

in his arms. patting one of his hands and leaning just the subtlest but, JUST A LITTLE, back into him. Mr. military scares her enough she all but leaps from yato like she's just been caught by a teacher schmoozing at school. worse, by her mother.

IT'S JUST THE TONE. ]

... If you behave yourselves, you can come out.

[ to show she means business, she crosses her arms. put that tongue away, mister. ]

I'm still not sure what to do with you all. [ besides. the obvious. put them BACK in the mirror.

but she's already rather fond of blondyato!! ]

[Oh, he's not truly offended, just slightly put out. (Mostly because he knows it's true.) It was just how fast she asserted it as fact... Isn't he a little normal? Sometimes??

...'kay, probably not. He'll get over it. Eventually. Just perhaps not the lingering worry. She may have to put up with him being extra clingy for a while.

And that clinginess only become more pronounced when she comforts him, then blatant as Stern and Serious intrudes on their moment. It earns a sigh from Yato; they need more seating in the house, for starters. And where are they all going to sleep?! The logistics of keeping them all around is already giving him a headache, resulting in him running a hand through his hair.

The other Yatos though seem pleased at being freed from timeout, cautiously approaching the pair as they file past to the living room and kitchen. A couple mutter to their original: "lucky", "jerk", earning them an irate glare. All afford Hiyori some attention, be it a quick brush over her hand, a gentle brush of hair from her face, to a smooch on the cheek by the gold-eyed one as he drapes his flower garland around her neck.]

Thank you.

Talk to you later, Hiyori~!

How about an orgy?

[That bright suggestion is made by a seemingly inconspicuous-looking Yato. He's not wearing anything odd, his hair is the normal color, as is his eyes. In fact, he could - can - be mistaken for the real thing. He lingers back to flash Hiyori with a sultry grin, one arm planted firmly on the wall beside her head.

For his part, original(?) Yato tries to wedge himself between the two without much luck. The jerk stands firm, so that if he wanted to squeeze in there he'd have to shove Hiyori.]

Don't even start--!! Not happening! We haven't even gotten to second base yet!

[ extra clingy yato, check. hiyori has likely figured out this is just what comes with yato being in a relationship. there were the signs.

the most she can do now is laugh nervously at all the jealousy being thrown around. she gets the feeling that if she ever found a boyfriend, like yato was so concerned about her doing for the longest time, it would be like this. yato muttering things in the background as he hovered around.

and looking for any excuse to touch her. she allows the little gestures. until the smooch on her cheek makes her go red and press her palm to her face with a sputter.

eh? eh?? what is she being thanked for?! what is

WHAT IS AN ORGY?! HELLO?? before hiyori can land an uppercut on that sultry yato, yato saves his clone by interrupting. for that matter, what is second base? ]

That's it! I know both of you are being perverts somehow and you're in prime positions for headlock. Or this new move I've been thinking about and wanting to try where I get both your arms behind your head...

[ WHERE IS BLOND!YATO

wherever he is, she's ducking away from both and running to find him. ]

[One can hardly blame him for being a smidge more possessive than normal when there's half a dozen rivals all sharing his face roaming around, trying to get in on the lovebird action. Having to protect his girlfriend from himself is an ordeal he didn't ever think would happen, and it's more taxing than one would expect.

Not that he can deny that they reflect honest aspects of himself. There's a bit of him in each one, making it all the more disconcerting. Like watching himself kiss his girl. He draws the line there as Mr. Smooch gets swatted at. Not a full-fledged punch, but enough of a smack that it makes things clear.

Clearer than the whole orgy deal, at least. Thank the Heavens she doesn't know the meaning of the word...! Even if she gets the general gist behind it. Both turn towards her at the threat, looking thoroughly chastised.]

Hiyori, I didn't mean--

Is that a no?

[Okay. This time he gets a fist over the head. Because OG!Yato seems more put out as Hiyori retreats from them, reaching out to grab her arm too late.

Thankfully the blond Yato is sanely making lunch in the kitchen, and he pauses in the midst of stirring soup to eye her worriedly.]

...you okay, Hiyori?

[ to be fair, hiyori didn't think she'd come home to half a dozen yato either. maybe somewhere, deep deep down, she's ecstatic about being surrounded by yato. very, very deep down. mostly it's PRECISELY the circus you would expect. with the exception of: blond (and military)

whom hiyori rushes over to the sane side of and grips his shirt while looking at the entry to the kitchen warily. things will return to normal when this is over, no doubt, but why was everything else easier to take in stride?

like the candy land, or her slug friend, or the catfish-- ]

They're being perverts, I'm pretty sure. [ BUT THIS ONE WON'T.

(hiyori consistently forgets it was yukine who tried to grope her once upon a time) ]

... Are all of you aspects of Yato's personality?

[Hell, even Yato himself wouldn't blame her for not being thrilled at this development. He's already begun to tire of their shenanigans, and it's himself! How does somebody get sick of themself?!

By being a right old pain in the ass, he supposes. Which he finally realizes they collectively are being. Hence why despite the urge to be by Hiyori's side and to keep the others away from her, the original Yato allows her the space she needs, instead rounding up the rest for a talking to. Number one: no orgies.

Thankfully that's the furthest thing from the blond's mind; Yukine-like he may be, he also seems to be the more sensible side of Yato. So when Hiyori confesses the others are being gross, he frowns and simply pours out a bowl of soup, handing it to her.]

Nothing new there, unfortunately. He-- we? Tend to have that streak in us.

[At her question, he considers it for a moment, then nods hesitantly.]

I think so. We're all him, but with one part more to the forefront. The one who was creeping on you was likely his perverted side. Best to stay away from him.

[ question is: would hiyori get sick of hiyori? they could find out! there's still a mirror out there in the wild, in their bathroom, but it had been too preoccupied with creating yatoes thus far...

~~no orgies in songerein. psls on the other hand.~~

she takes the bowl with a smile, thanks, and fishes in a drawer for a spoon. after that, she doesn't go to a table to eat but hovers at blond yato's side while they talk.

nothing new, yeah. she's well aware he could be a pervert at times, but she's used to dealing with ONE pervert. not multiple. ]

Which side are you? And which side is the one in the uniform...? [ she asks before sipping at some soup.

yum. ]

Mm! This is great! Maybe you're his domestic [ malewife ] side!

[Hiyori is probably too sensible to put herself off. ...although maybe she would get tired of being so buttoned up! It would be a fascinating experiment to try out, that's for sure. Although, boy, would the house be crowded then! They'd likely have to relocate to a park or something.

~~Unlocked sub-event: Yato Porn Party!~~

Once he's dished them both up something to eat, this Yato turns off the stove and takes up his own bowl, not bothering with a spoon. It just seems more efficient this way.

He does, however, keep his eyes locked on Hiyori, eagerly watching for her approval. And when he gets it, there's a childish beam of happiness from him. S-Success! Although her questions leave him blinking owlishly. What side is he...?]

Me? Truthfully, I dunno... You might be right about being his domestic side. I know he doesn't usually cook much, the lazy bum.

[If there's one thing all the Yatos seem to have in common, it's a slight dislike for their other selves. What does that say about the original?]

... can I ask you a question, Hiyori?

[ their treehouse is built for 3, maybe 4 people. they're alrEADY pushing it

~~LMAOSLKJD STOP.~~

having that childish beam of success on a yato face? super effective on hiyori, too. she can feel her heart skip a beat before she inwardly scolds herself. it's yato, but it's not yato!!

luckily, calling ogyato lazy bum makes hiyori giggle. he is, it's true. it's just funny that yato is calling yato a lazy bum, this time. hiyori doesn't think too deep about the meaning of it. there are some things about herself she dislikes, too. isn't that normal? hm. ]

A question? Oh, yeah, sure! Ask away.

[Maybe there's another, unoccupied one they can borrow temporarily...

~~LOLOLOL~~

Despite his earlier claims to the contrary, this Yato seems just as easily affected by Hiyori's happiness as all the others: a faint pink color tinges his cheeks at her laughter. Yet all he does is shyly shuffle in place, smiling to himself. A happy Hiyori always makes for a happy Yato, no matter which side of him it is.

When it comes time to ask his question, though, he hesitates. Sets down his bowl on the counter so he can face her with hands balled into nervous fists.]

Which side of Yato do you like best?

[ their little family is growing kya with more on the way kyaaa

the moment he sets his bowl down, hiyori carefully sets her down too and put the full breadth of her focus on the question. she's anticipating something more serious, that'll require a lot of thought and consideration. it might not have a right answer, it might not have a wrong answer.

she's a little blind-sided by what the question is before the answer slips out of her without thought, ]

All of them. [ right after, she flushes and waves a hand while attempting to explain herself. ]

I-I mean, they're all a part of Yato, aren't they? Without one side, he wouldn't be Yato. So... so... [ brain: lkdgjslkjdg ]

S-so I love... all of them.

[They should have a party to celebrate the arrival of them all...!

Looks like little domestique has a serious side, too. Perhaps unexpectedly so. Although maybe he's put too much gravity into what turns out to be a fairly innocent question. But it's important to him, so! He's giving it his all, like Yato always does when it comes to things that matter most to him.

He just... doesn't expect her to answer so blithely. His brows shoot up, expression a little bit hurt. Even though it means him too, he was hoping for something a little more substantial. Thankfully, Hiyori is quick to clarify, getting him to relax a little.]

Oh. [Still, he can't help sounding a bit disappointed. All Yatos want to be Hiyori's favorite, it seems... So... it doesn't matter which of them is here?

[Why does that sound a little ominous...]

Th-that's not true!!

[ in her vehemence, she almost knocks over her soup. come on, blond! you're the one that's supposed to have some sense, right?! that isn't what that means.

it wouldn't be fair to make her choose, either. even if she knows who she would -- who she already HAS.

yato. the one with all of the sides.

he might not expect it, but hiyori steps forward and wraps her arms around him in a hug. before he can say something CONCERNING. ]

I-it does. It has to be my Yato. [ "my" GODS... embarrassing. she feels so AWKWARD but forges on. ] Because he has all sides, a piece of all of you. And, when it comes to Yato, I'm a little... selfish.

[ if she weren't, she probably wouldn't have confessed in the first place. because everyone told her it was better and kinder to cut ties. ]

[The passion with which Hiyori insists on that point stuns the clone into silence, as does the way she quickly closes the distance between them in order to embrace him after such a foolish question. She always knows just what he - they - need at any given moment, be it smack upside the head or a heartfelt hug.

His shoulders sag as guilt overwhelms him for having such selfish thoughts. Of him being the one remaining Yato. Of shoving his original into the mirror so he can have Hiyori and Yato's life all to himself. He may be sensible, but he does have desires of his own. Same as the rest of them. They are all Yato, after all.

Hesitantly, he returns the gesture by holding onto her, fingers twisting into her shirt. Of course she would choose the original. He is hers. One and only.]

Are you sure...? Don't you want a him that's less of an idiot, who thinks things through and doesn't make you uncomfortable?

[There's a pleading note to his voice, even after she's insisted that the complete Yato is the one for her.]

I... I could be your Yato. A better version of him that'll take care of you and won't spring stupid, scary gifts on you suddenly!

[ them all being yato, in their ways, makes booting them back to the mirror all the more difficult for hiyori. it has to be done, eventually. they can't stay forever and they can't take the place of yato, no matter how similar they could be. or how much "better" they think they are.

no matter how much more sensible one of them is.

against his shoulder, she shakes her head and then leans back to take his cheeks in her palms. ]

But it wouldn't be him if he was less of an idiot, you know? [ and this side is in there, too. ]

I'm sorry. As much as I like you, there is no better version. He's Yato. I've thought a lot about this already, long before now. I thought about it when I spoke about love with Anon-san. I thought about it when Nico-san told me it would be better and more kind to cut ties. I thought about it after talking to Ryu-san, too. But I've made my decision, and I will stick with it no matter what happens. If there are problems, Yato and I will work through them together. If that's him making me uncomfortable or if I make him upset. We take care of each other.

Besides, I do like Rainy. She's a part of the household. Yato was being thoughtful in his weird, over-the-top way.

[It's the same reason Yato couldn't quite bring himself to wrestle the lot of them back to where they came from immediately after he realized what was going on. And, when push comes to shove (literally), it's likely why even his doppelgangers would be hard-pressed to actually usurp their original.

Not that it doesn't mean they can't contemplate the notion. Because in the moment, with Hiyori's warmth surrounding him, it makes the blond seriously consider such a devious act.

Selfish, that's what Yato is. All of him.

Sighing sadly, he can't resist nuzzling against her hands, not unlike a cat.]

Yeah... I guess so. You fell for him, stupidity and all. [Sighing, he reaches up to cover her hands with his own, half tempted to pry them off yet at the same time not wanting the contact to end. After listening to her reasoning, he's almost able to smile sadly but can't quite manage it, instead it comes off like a wince.]

You really have considered it a lot, then, huh... Then... I won't push you to choose me. Even if I'd like to stay with you, too. Because I do like you, Hiyori. A lot. More than I let on. I want to take care of you, to see you happy. Not getting overwhelmed by my original self's stupid antics to the point where you need to go hide in your room.

But I suppose there is some merit to his dumbass whole self. He did manage to win you over on his own. Just... promise me you won't sacrifice your own happiness for his. Be firm when you need to be. Even if it means making him take back ridiculous gifts.

[At that last part he does smile, if halfheartedly.]

MAKES FOR THE BEST SQUISHABLE EVER >3<

AH SQUISHMALLOW

YUMMY MALLOW [ O3O]

:9 !!

OM NOM NOM 83c

our subject lines keep me sane LMFAO

amid all the craziness, right? LOL

YEAHKDJHGKJS but also it's fun uwu

LMAO yeah, that it is |'D

hiyo now wants ogyato and blondyato on either of her arms pls ty

omg that would make the others so jealous;;

MILITARY YATO IS COOL TOO

BECAUSE HE'S ACTUALLY SOMEWHAT SANE LMAO

THAT AND MILITARY :9 UNIFORM

OH HO~ LIKE THAT IS IT >3

M-MAYBE!!

GUESS THEY'LL HAVE TO PLAY DRESS UP AT SOME POINT

lawd have mercy

NO MERCY, ONLY FETISH FUN

ON THAT NOTE ARE YOU ON TFLN AGAIN LMFAO

LMAO I'M SORRY I'VE JUST BEEN ITCHING TO PLAY ALL DAY

KDLJGLKDGJD GRABS UR FACE!!! THE WEEKLY TFLN YATORI

WHO CAN RESIST!!

NOT ME..........

HEHEHE.....