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countryclub2022-04-27 07:28 pm
reddosmod) wrote in countryclub2022-04-27 07:28 pm
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APRIL 2022 TEST DRIVE MEME
APRIL 2022 TEST DRIVE MEME
A MOSTLY PLEASANT ARRIVAL
A DIM REFLECTION
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
CODING
Another month, another test drive meme! Our test drive memes are open to anyone interested - regardless of whether or not you join our game!
All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.
Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.
Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.
If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Delicious, Gelatinous Fruit Treats]
[Image Two: Women in white dancing around a May Pole (Animated)]
Prompt Two
[Image One: A woman turning away from a mirror. ]
[Image Two: A woman trapped inside a mirror with disembodied hands grabbing at her. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: A Forked Trail on a Wooded Path]
[Image Two: The Grim Reaper at the end of a sewer tunnel]
All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.
Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.
Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.
If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!
Prompt One
[Image One: Delicious, Gelatinous Fruit Treats]
[Image Two: Women in white dancing around a May Pole (Animated)]
Prompt Two
[Image One: A woman turning away from a mirror. ]
[Image Two: A woman trapped inside a mirror with disembodied hands grabbing at her. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: A Forked Trail on a Wooded Path]
[Image Two: The Grim Reaper at the end of a sewer tunnel]
WHEN: May
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced honesty, personality changes, physical changes.
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced honesty, personality changes, physical changes.
Congratulations, sleeper! You're one of the lucky ones to arrive in a month that is not awful to come ashore. The transformational process is almost alarmingly quick and painless. In fact, it is so quick that it is deceptively easy to change back into a squid and do it all over again! Partial transformations are not uncommon during this month for the first twenty-four hours after arriving, and even brief transformations of minor facial features like hair color, eye color, height, weight and a few more extreme possibilities have been known to happen. Don't worry, because the transformations are all temporary and none are inherently monstrous (Unless you already are a monster, in which case good luck with that!). Greeters are present in force to help accommodate you as you make your way, your welcome backpack and items all freshly and neatly cleaned and ready for you as they put the robe on. Everything is so welcoming and inviting that it almost seems like they're having a party.
This is, in fact, because they are. The Wild Moon is about and festivities are in full swing throughout the month of Bauphomette. May poles are set up and it is possible to dance around one if you should wish. Doing so can help to ground oneself in their current form, which may help new arrivals settle in a bit better. Even ignoring that, it feels good to sing and dance, and everyone is very friendly. Even the usually grim Hunters who guard the roads and entries to the shores seem to have less stern smiles on their faces, though their eyes are ever watchful to keep the peace of the festivities.
SEASONAL DETAILS ON THE BOARDWALK
Decorations this month are decidedly floral in nature. Everyone is dressed in white, regardless of their usual preferences. Flowers adorn many of the people of Trench and the weather throughout the first week of May is pleasant. Even if it rains, it is a refreshing, light and pleasant rain, and there are many awnings and umbrellas to take shelter underneath.
And of course, there's refreshments. What festival in Trench would be without them? The foods this month have a very floral theme to them. Edible flowers have been grown and prepared especially for this time of year. They've been used to help create infused and gelatinous sweets, Floral spring rolls and edible flower cookies and the like, along with floral teas that are meant to calm the mind. Additionally, the people of Trench will note that any of the foods present can have a beneficial, albeit transformative effect on the mind and body. They promise it won't last long, but if you're really concerned there is hard tack and water available that's quite filling.
Changes from Food will last a few hours at most. There are several options available among the drinks and foods. These may be combined as the player sees fit. Drinks have mental effects, while Treats have physical ones, the Trenchies will inform:
Pomegranate Juice: Sweet and tart, anyone who drinks it or has some of the fresh pomegranate and seeds will feel compelled to speak nothing but the truth. Pomegranates are found littering makeshift shrines to Bauphomette throughout the party, and Trenchies insist they are free to take.
Petal Infused Hot Tea: Pungent and aromatic, it is relaxing. The heat gives a warmth and vibrancy that fills a person with confidence, to the point of arrogance and fearlessness, leading the emboldened to try something that they might not otherwise do, even if it's very risky!
Floral Iced Tea: While refreshing, it feels like there's something just a little lacking, and anyone who drinks some will feel that they need more but not what they need more of at first, making them clingy and affectionate towards other people, especially strangers.
Iced Water: It's not the tastiest, but has a way of washing things away. Water can cleanse and remove the effects of other drinks, though it leaves the person feeling emotionally drained if it is used this way.
Floral Spring Rolls: Trying one of these surprisingly edible treats will have the added effect of giving a person plant traits temporarily. Hair may convert into tresses of ivy or carefully manicured moss, or perhaps a mushroom cap! Skin might become bark-like or chlorophyl green. The more that one eats, the more that they change.
Gelatinous Sweets: These curiosities come with a note. “Have you ever wondered what it is like to walk in someone's shoes?” Eating one has a profound physical effect, causing a person's appearance to transform into that of another person in Trench! It may not even be someone they've met, or seen yet! It would be awkward to meet someone, not looking the way you're supposed to, or worse? Looking like them!
Edible Flower Cookies: They come with lovely notes saying “Eat Me!” What could be sweeter? Well, like something out of Alice and Wonderland, eating one can cause a person to grow or shrink by a foot. More cookies can cause the height difference to become worse and worse, though if you're only a foot tall, it's a good way to end up an inch tall! So, maybe eating more to fix the problem is risky.
Hard Tack: Like the water, it can fill the stomach and remove prematurely any physical effects, though if it does so, removing a physical change physically drains the character.
This is, in fact, because they are. The Wild Moon is about and festivities are in full swing throughout the month of Bauphomette. May poles are set up and it is possible to dance around one if you should wish. Doing so can help to ground oneself in their current form, which may help new arrivals settle in a bit better. Even ignoring that, it feels good to sing and dance, and everyone is very friendly. Even the usually grim Hunters who guard the roads and entries to the shores seem to have less stern smiles on their faces, though their eyes are ever watchful to keep the peace of the festivities.
Decorations this month are decidedly floral in nature. Everyone is dressed in white, regardless of their usual preferences. Flowers adorn many of the people of Trench and the weather throughout the first week of May is pleasant. Even if it rains, it is a refreshing, light and pleasant rain, and there are many awnings and umbrellas to take shelter underneath.
And of course, there's refreshments. What festival in Trench would be without them? The foods this month have a very floral theme to them. Edible flowers have been grown and prepared especially for this time of year. They've been used to help create infused and gelatinous sweets, Floral spring rolls and edible flower cookies and the like, along with floral teas that are meant to calm the mind. Additionally, the people of Trench will note that any of the foods present can have a beneficial, albeit transformative effect on the mind and body. They promise it won't last long, but if you're really concerned there is hard tack and water available that's quite filling.
Changes from Food will last a few hours at most. There are several options available among the drinks and foods. These may be combined as the player sees fit. Drinks have mental effects, while Treats have physical ones, the Trenchies will inform:
Pomegranate Juice: Sweet and tart, anyone who drinks it or has some of the fresh pomegranate and seeds will feel compelled to speak nothing but the truth. Pomegranates are found littering makeshift shrines to Bauphomette throughout the party, and Trenchies insist they are free to take.
Petal Infused Hot Tea: Pungent and aromatic, it is relaxing. The heat gives a warmth and vibrancy that fills a person with confidence, to the point of arrogance and fearlessness, leading the emboldened to try something that they might not otherwise do, even if it's very risky!
Floral Iced Tea: While refreshing, it feels like there's something just a little lacking, and anyone who drinks some will feel that they need more but not what they need more of at first, making them clingy and affectionate towards other people, especially strangers.
Iced Water: It's not the tastiest, but has a way of washing things away. Water can cleanse and remove the effects of other drinks, though it leaves the person feeling emotionally drained if it is used this way.
Floral Spring Rolls: Trying one of these surprisingly edible treats will have the added effect of giving a person plant traits temporarily. Hair may convert into tresses of ivy or carefully manicured moss, or perhaps a mushroom cap! Skin might become bark-like or chlorophyl green. The more that one eats, the more that they change.
Gelatinous Sweets: These curiosities come with a note. “Have you ever wondered what it is like to walk in someone's shoes?” Eating one has a profound physical effect, causing a person's appearance to transform into that of another person in Trench! It may not even be someone they've met, or seen yet! It would be awkward to meet someone, not looking the way you're supposed to, or worse? Looking like them!
Edible Flower Cookies: They come with lovely notes saying “Eat Me!” What could be sweeter? Well, like something out of Alice and Wonderland, eating one can cause a person to grow or shrink by a foot. More cookies can cause the height difference to become worse and worse, though if you're only a foot tall, it's a good way to end up an inch tall! So, maybe eating more to fix the problem is risky.
Hard Tack: Like the water, it can fill the stomach and remove prematurely any physical effects, though if it does so, removing a physical change physically drains the character.
WHEN: May
WHERE: Throughout Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Paranoia, existential dread, hallucinations, possession-related horror.
WHERE: Throughout Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Paranoia, existential dread, hallucinations, possession-related horror.
They warned you about mirrors. Every once in a while, one of the locals in Trench might have whispered it, made a sign of warding when they passed by mirrors, but nothing seemed out of place. They told you that you might see yourself in it, and you would never be the same. However, every time you've looked it's been fine. So, maybe they were being superstitious about something? It certainly wouldn't have been the first time someone had gotten paranoid about nothing in Trench, would it?
How wrong you were. Maybe it was when you were looking down at a puddle rippling in a light breeze. It might have been a formerly polished piece of bronze covered in tarnish that adorned a building. Perhaps it was that lovely bit of obsidian in the shop where you caught your reflection garbled by the shape. It happens only when a reflection is seen in a distorted surface, especially those that are naturally occurring, though occasionally damaged and weathered surfaces that were polished will work. When you were looking at the image, it seemed to look back at you and something was wrong, distorted, imperfect. By then it was too late.
The natives were right. You saw some part of yourself there in the mirror. It might be something that you've hidden from others for a long time, or it might be an exaggeration of a single part of yourself that you aren't proud about. What it is, is a distorted and incomplete part of yourself, something that you try to keep controlled and in check, and it was there, smiling at you and winking. The moment it winked, it was like you were riding in your own skin, watching and unable to act as you changed into a self that reflected that distorted, unnatural and incomplete side of yourself. What shadows do you hide from yourself?
This effect lasts for, at most, one solar cycle. From the rising of the sun to its setting, or the moon to its setting, the effect can last no longer than that. Especially strong-willed people, particularly palebloods, can end this effect sooner through force of will, though it usually lasts at minimum an hour. The character is, for the duration of this effect, changed in personality to behave in accordance with some singular aspect (of the player's choice) of their personality that they do not usually focus on in their day to day behavior. This change can be subtle, or it can be drastic and even dangerous. Its goal is to make sure that everyone sees and witnesses this change, and goes out of its way to impact others in a memorable fact, making sure that they see there is more to the character than what they are revealing. This could be relatively innocuous or extremely dangerous, depending on the person, and the whole while the dominant personality is riding inside their skin, forced to watch what is happening.
How wrong you were. Maybe it was when you were looking down at a puddle rippling in a light breeze. It might have been a formerly polished piece of bronze covered in tarnish that adorned a building. Perhaps it was that lovely bit of obsidian in the shop where you caught your reflection garbled by the shape. It happens only when a reflection is seen in a distorted surface, especially those that are naturally occurring, though occasionally damaged and weathered surfaces that were polished will work. When you were looking at the image, it seemed to look back at you and something was wrong, distorted, imperfect. By then it was too late.
The natives were right. You saw some part of yourself there in the mirror. It might be something that you've hidden from others for a long time, or it might be an exaggeration of a single part of yourself that you aren't proud about. What it is, is a distorted and incomplete part of yourself, something that you try to keep controlled and in check, and it was there, smiling at you and winking. The moment it winked, it was like you were riding in your own skin, watching and unable to act as you changed into a self that reflected that distorted, unnatural and incomplete side of yourself. What shadows do you hide from yourself?
This effect lasts for, at most, one solar cycle. From the rising of the sun to its setting, or the moon to its setting, the effect can last no longer than that. Especially strong-willed people, particularly palebloods, can end this effect sooner through force of will, though it usually lasts at minimum an hour. The character is, for the duration of this effect, changed in personality to behave in accordance with some singular aspect (of the player's choice) of their personality that they do not usually focus on in their day to day behavior. This change can be subtle, or it can be drastic and even dangerous. Its goal is to make sure that everyone sees and witnesses this change, and goes out of its way to impact others in a memorable fact, making sure that they see there is more to the character than what they are revealing. This could be relatively innocuous or extremely dangerous, depending on the person, and the whole while the dominant personality is riding inside their skin, forced to watch what is happening.
WHEN: May
WHERE: Dream worlds
CONTENT WARNINGS: Existential dread, disturbing visions
WHERE: Dream worlds
CONTENT WARNINGS: Existential dread, disturbing visions
It happens when you are asleep one night. There is no warning for this effect, and it comes without apparent cause. One night, you go to sleep, and then suddenly you find yourself in a dreamscape, on a path. You can sense eyes on you the whole time that you are present in this field, and though they have a sense of benevolence to them, there is a deeply alien element to the experiment, almost like you are being observed by a scientist through a microscope. You are not alone on the path, either. One, or possibly more than one, other people that you may know or not know, they seem to have entered the same dreamscape. Behind you is nothing but shadow, and before you is a path. Might as well get going if you want to wake up, right? That's how these things work.
Introductions and questions aside, there's nothing but the path and dense, impenetrable woods on both sides, so eventually you and your companion start walking. As you do, shortly you see a branch in the path ahead of you. The fork has two paths, one of which shows the traffic of many feet, footprints grooved well into the worn cobblestones and mud. One of you will somehow recognize that the footprints are their own, and will notice that the other path has no footprints or very few. That is when the compulsion hits. It is inexorable and impossible to deny, the curiosity to see what is down the path that those footprints do not travel.
Travel, walk and taking that path, you will be treated to a vision. It is a moment in the dreamer's life, where they see something that happened in their life, which involved a choice. Did they go left or right? Did they say yes, or no? A choice they made, even one that seemed immaterial at the time, had some profound effect, and now you and they watch as the other choice was taken. And, within the hour, you will see the results, to your horror. Something terrible will happen to them. It could be anything, but it will be life-shattering, perspective altering and ghastly. They might even die from the experience or see a loved one die. The horror of it will still be in your hearts as you stand there for a moment, trapped in the sight of the aftermath, trying to come to terms with what you have just seen, and just at this moment, after a few parting words are said, both will wake up in a cold sweat.
The event that plays out can be from either character. Close CR is not required. Bauphomette has summoned the characters into the dream directly, and is sharing a distorted mirror of an opposite choice that could have been made. Actual “What if” canon events such as alternate timelines in Supernatural could be used for this, or the entire event can be concocted for this scene. The characters themselves are witnesses, and cannot be personally harmed in any physical way, but the horrific ending for the 'vision' version of the one whose dream this can be as awful as desired and take any form wished so long as it is unpleasant. Please be aware and mindful of each other's Content Warning Preferences in setting these scenes up.
Introductions and questions aside, there's nothing but the path and dense, impenetrable woods on both sides, so eventually you and your companion start walking. As you do, shortly you see a branch in the path ahead of you. The fork has two paths, one of which shows the traffic of many feet, footprints grooved well into the worn cobblestones and mud. One of you will somehow recognize that the footprints are their own, and will notice that the other path has no footprints or very few. That is when the compulsion hits. It is inexorable and impossible to deny, the curiosity to see what is down the path that those footprints do not travel.
Travel, walk and taking that path, you will be treated to a vision. It is a moment in the dreamer's life, where they see something that happened in their life, which involved a choice. Did they go left or right? Did they say yes, or no? A choice they made, even one that seemed immaterial at the time, had some profound effect, and now you and they watch as the other choice was taken. And, within the hour, you will see the results, to your horror. Something terrible will happen to them. It could be anything, but it will be life-shattering, perspective altering and ghastly. They might even die from the experience or see a loved one die. The horror of it will still be in your hearts as you stand there for a moment, trapped in the sight of the aftermath, trying to come to terms with what you have just seen, and just at this moment, after a few parting words are said, both will wake up in a cold sweat.
The event that plays out can be from either character. Close CR is not required. Bauphomette has summoned the characters into the dream directly, and is sharing a distorted mirror of an opposite choice that could have been made. Actual “What if” canon events such as alternate timelines in Supernatural could be used for this, or the entire event can be concocted for this scene. The characters themselves are witnesses, and cannot be personally harmed in any physical way, but the horrific ending for the 'vision' version of the one whose dream this can be as awful as desired and take any form wished so long as it is unpleasant. Please be aware and mindful of each other's Content Warning Preferences in setting these scenes up.
no subject
It's fine. Gilbert is his servant. One of his jobs can be hugging, or something.]
We'll have so much to tell you too. Break, Ada, Echo, Alice... Both of them too. [Oz is more shy when he next admits;] I knew you were coming eventually. I waited, you know!
[He may never tell Gilbert just how much he's waited. That gets embarrassing. Gilbert doesn't need to know how many monsters took his shape and lured Oz into trouble either.]
no subject
It's alright, Gil is selfish and knows as much, but more importantly he knows how dear Oz is to him. He'll happily use his role as Oz's servant as an excuse.]
T-they are? [He doesn't move even as he sounds surprised, clinging more. He doesn't understand much about this place, but he doesn't need to at this very moment. This world reunited him with Oz. There's no word that expresses how grateful he is to be here.]
I'm sorry, it was my job to wait and I kept you... Thank you, for waiting and for believing in me.
[Despite how useless he is.]
no subject
For the moment, Oz presses his face closer and keeps the devious smile to himself. The tone, however, is not so much of a secret.]
Hmmm~ You're right. I did wait. I'll have to punish you with cooking duty or something.
[Oz is trying to lighten their mood before they cry a new ocean at each other.]
But I would have waited 100 years anyway. 6 months is early compared to that.
no subject
[Gil laughs quietly at his master’s teasing, resting his chin on the top of Oz’s hair to keep him there for now. Other reunions can come later. His eyes are still misted over but he’s no longer about to start sobbing again.]
I know you would have, but I’m so happy you didn’t have to…
no subject
[Oz curls his fingers into the back of Gilbert's clothes. Gil only has one arm for hugs, so Oz decides to graciously make up the difference with both of his. He doesn't necessarily hate the smell of Gil's extinguished cigarette or the salty smell of the ocean sticking to him. This is nice. Oz has missed being with Gilbert and not having a crisis looming overhead.]
I have a lot to tell you later. About this place, about what's happened here... But welcome home. We finally get to live together.
no subject
It is nice. Gil didn't have much time to say goodbye, but now he has a lifetime to catch up, which is so much better. He tightens his one arm around Oz, a smile in his voice.]
Thank you, Oz. I'm finally home... Please, tell me everything.
no subject
So, naturally, Oz racks his brain for an outrageous thing to say. Something that will allow them to part, without either of them immediately bursting into tears. Hmm, how to start filling Gil in, how to start... oh!]
Ada and I started practicing dark magic!
no subject
Before he can ask while still hugging Oz, because that kind of information is important, his master says something that renders his brain completely useless.]
You-- What are you both doing?!
[Well, it gets them to part, with Gil now gripping Oz's shoulder, firm but never harsh as he starts to panic.]
Oz!!! You can't go around practicing dark magic! Why would you and Miss Ada do something so dangerous?!
[Fret fret fret. He starts looking at Oz's face, hands, squatting and looking for anything that could indicate he may have been hurt. Any dust on his clothes, a loose thread--]
Are you alright?! Are you hurt?!
no subject
Gotta keep his friend on his toes, after all! And Oz should eventually explain to him that the entire town is soaked in occult rituals and blood magic. However, straight up saying that would a) boring b) gloomy. This way is so much more... sophisticated!
bully, the word oz is looking for is "bully."]Oh, yes~. We're right as rain. It's been a wonderful way to bond! We even practice blood rituals and worship some new deities, ohoho.
[Oz holds up his arm and points to his wrist.] Also, my blood is toxic now! ♡
cw: self-harm
It's also reassuring in that it helps convince Gil that this is real, and not simply a dream or illusion. That doesn't stop him from staring at Oz in disbelief and horror, while his heart sinks with guilt. He should have arrived sooner. Alice didn't have the judgment to determine whether this was a good idea, and he was going to give Break an earful for allowing Oz and Ada to do something so dangerous!]
Blood rituals--
Have you hurt yourself?!
[He's definitely imagining all of the worst possible scenarios, but then he looks physically hurt when Oz calls his own blood toxic. This is his fault, isn't it? He should have been here.]
D-- DON'T SAY THAT ABOUT YOURSELF, OZ!!! I'M SURE YOUR BLOOD IS PERFECT THE WAY IT IS!
[Relinquishing his grip to cradle Oz's wrist in his palm, Gil's eyes start to tear up again in confusion and worry.]
cw: toxic behavior
ah.
Gilbert has won this battle too.]
It's okay, it's okay. I'm mostly kidding. [Though he does feel embarrassed now. His "vileblood" is a sore spot for Oz. Having Gilbert treat him like this is oddly grounding.]
This place is called 'the Trench' and it's spoo~ky. They obsess over blood and magic and stuff here. We squidy people have special blood that lets us use magic. And mi~ne is poison. It's been hard for Alice and I, eheh.
no subject
But he could not forgive himself either. Not for being so selfish and not noticing just how much Oz had been hurting. How he had taken care of Gil and hid his sadness and pain behind a sunny smile. Really, he's such a pathetic servant...
He stays kneeling and holds Oz's wrist delicately, as it is the wrist of his precious friend. No matter what...]
You will always be Oz to me. My master and dearest friend.
[He murmurs to himself. Plush rabbit, human, squid, normal blood or magical poisonous blood-- none of it matters to Gilbert. He doesn't even wince this time when he hears the word squid, looking up at Oz apologetically.]
I'm sorry. You both were carrying this burden. Does it... [He doesn't really completely understand it, and he has to pause as he thinks.] Does your blood hurt you?
no subject
He looks back to his friend's face and shakes his head.]
The opposite. It numbs my body. Sometimes I can't feel anything.
[Oz offers to lower his hand and dismiss the topic. He doesn't want to rain on their reunion parade.]
But I'm alright now. It's just blood.
cw: some more toxic behavior & implied self-harm
Gil's irises appear almost hollow, horrified by this news. There is nothing about what Oz just said that is alright.
He doesn't understand. Did a deity do this to Oz? If so, he would kill them. He doesn't care who it was. Oz had already been through hell and back. They had all done more than enough and deserved some peace. How dare they--
He may be Oz's loyal servant, but Gil follows his heart now. It's just that it usually leads to Oz. He can't accept his soothing smiles and calming words, not when they're hurting him. He no longer looks lost, but determined.]
Then I will feel for you! If you're hurting but numb, it's okay if I get hurt too! I don't mind! And if you aren't hurt but you can't feel, you can tell me! [He lets go of his wrist so that he can squeeze his hand, warm and solid.]
I will hold on for as long as you need, and make sure that you don't get hurt in those moments.
no subject
Slowly, his other hand comes around to cover Gil's.]
... I know. I'll tell you.
[The smile that tugs at his lips is small, tinged with sadness, but sincere.] I can feel you right now. Thank you, Gil.
[For now, that's enough. Oz is glad that his blood isn't getting between him and this reunion.]
Your blood might be different too. I'll help you with whatever that brings too.
no subject
The hand that covers his own might as well be the beams from the sun itself. The scar across his chest warms, bits of light filling the fractured cracks in his heart. It’s painful, but he would take this pain any day if it means having Oz in his life.
There is no need to thank him. Not when Oz is such a dear person and had done so much for Gil. But he understands Oz’s sincerity and smiles, bowing his head.]
I’m glad…
[His whisper is nearly inaudible over the waves. He doesn’t let go of Oz’s hand.]
My blood? [Of course, that makes sense given everything, but he still looks up in surprise before relaxing into a grateful smile.] Thank you, Oz. Why don’t I cook you an omelette first?
no subject
However, the air of understanding and trust doesn't dissolve into more teasing. Gilbert has dodged a bullet in that sense.]
Please? Alice will be so happy to see you. We should probably grab some tissues on the way back, or you'll need a new coat.
no subject
He smiles at the request and stands back up. He wants to ruffle his hair but that would involve letting go of Oz's hand.]
Has the Stupid Rabbit been getting into much trouble? [The nickname is basically a term of endearment by now.] ...Do you mind leading the way? I might get us lost.
no subject
[Oz keeps Gilbert's hand in one of his own. He's not ashamed to be seen walking around like this. If anything, Oz is incredibly proud and eager to be able to show his best friend off to people.
He steps forward to begin leading.]
She's growing. Her body is really hers now. She doesn't have to share it with her sister and they're both- [Excuse this proud bunny doll as he tears up a little--] They're doing great, Gil.
no subject
If Gil is to be honest with himself, he doesn't care anymore either. But he gives Oz all of his attention as he watches him talk about Alice, his smile spreading as he notices the pride in his voice when he speaks about Alice.]
That's wonderful.
[The implications set in and he might be tearing up a little too. Squeezing Oz's hand, he steps by his side, as if he can shield Oz from the tears.]
I can learn some new meat recipes later.
no subject
[Sometimes Oz sounds more like a doting parent than a childhood friend. He falls into step with Gil, happy to walk side by side for the rest of the way. The walk from the boardwalk is much more quiet and Oz sighs contently at that peaceful realization.]
Sometimes it's hard to find certain ingredients here. We haven't had fresh fruit in a few months and hunting got hard for a while. I don't think that I want to eat another mushroom again after what we did to survive winter. [Before Gil can get too concerned about the food situation, Oz tries to lighten the mood with;] Now I have you here to eat my share of mushrooms though.
[Like a bratty master making his servant clear the vegetables from his plate.]
no subject
[Gilbert lectures, but he's smiling. He's happy when Oz is happy, and so glad he gets to see his family live. Will Oz grow too now, he wonders. Usually girls start their growth spurts earlier...
His smile drops, his face pinched with concern. But before he can ask, Oz is acting like a bratty master and he nods, happy to indulge him.]
If that's what you want.
[He definitely needs to look into stocking up. Gil leans in anyway, trying to look for any signs that Oz's health may not be optimal.]
Are you eating enough now? Are you alright?!
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Mm-mm! I never miss a meal! I need to be healthy and strong to fight monsters! [Perhaps he threw that remark away too casually, but Oz doesn't need to talk about the bad stuff if Gilbert would rather think about the good.]
Alice is learning to cook-- Alice's sister, I mean,-- and I~ [Oz looks smug,] Learned how to make fruit preserves~! You'll be in good hands, Gil.
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[Gil doesn’t step back, looking worried over this news. And the news of Alice cooking, until Oz clarifies which Alice. He trusts the twin who spent the majority of her life in the Abyss to cook over the Alice he knew better. Kind of sad, but it is what it is.
But then Oz hits him with that and it distracts Gil from his worrying for now, so that works in Oz’s favor, because his servant’s knees nearly buckle with emotion as he starts wailing.]
I missed so many milestones…I’M SORRY!!! I’m sure your fruit preserves are delicious!!!
[Oz has done so much more than he probably realizes. But the idea of Oz making any food for Gil… he’s moved to tears!!!]
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You bet that they are! I can even help Break in the kitchen and I clean my own bedroom. You're going to have a lot of free time here, so you better start thinking about picking up some new hobbies!
[Cue a sarcastic gasp;] Want to learn blood rituals with Ada and I?
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cw: murder
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