vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

❝ Oho. To think in one month, summer will be over. Have you done everything you wished to do before it ends? ❞ he's saying this while he already has a pumpkin spiced drink in his hand, mind you...

[vamplyrical]

REI HARDLY MINDS THE WAY THE OTHER SPEAKS, it reminiscent to another he knows from his own group. not precisely, their unique aspects so blaringly different, even to his own nostalgia, especially when till begins to speak the theory of art. it's something passionate he can't entirely grasp, being only an artist when it comes to that of the stage, but... he somehow understands what the other means. perhaps that was enough, the smile on rei's face accepting as much.

though that smile fades ever so slightly at how he speaks of being beaten senseless. not to mention the way he says it 一 was this really something of the norm for him? ❝ Oh? That isn't happening here, is it? ❞ maybe he shouldn't pry. after all, it was none of his business, nor should he get involved. and yet, the want to help runs deep in his veins no matter how hard he feigns how weak and worthless he is to avoid such responsibilities.

still, the heat of the sun continues to drain him, a few beads of sweat rolling down his cheek as he moves to wipe it. even the yelling hardly phases him into making some hapless remark, exhaling just a little to get a bit of fresh air. ❝ Creatures of the night... struggle quite a bit in the realm of light, ❞ he speaks, as if it were some ominous telling, especially now that the sound of sirens seems to be closer. rei turns his gaze over his shoulder, taking a moment to assess the situation, before noting a small alleyway shrouded in darkness. ❝ This way... ! ❞ a hand takes hold of till's wrist weakly, tugging him into the crevice and making sure they have enough room as he presses his back up against the cool wall.

at least this will buy them more time for all that he has wasted until now一

❝ We can wait it out here for a bit... ❞ a good plan, if not ideal for the shade to at least let him rest just a smidgen, if till didn't find a problem with it.

"If you say so. I think it's annoyin'." Till says and immediately regrets it. He's no good at this type of conversation, always expressing his opinions too harshly or too bluntly. He kicks at the ground with a barefoot, thinking of a way to soften his approach. Till can't prove it, but he has a feeling that Mizi and Ivan would have spent more time together if it weren't for him, so the least he can do is try to avoid scaring off another one of Ivan's friends.

"Uh, I mean… I have kinda have a hard time understanding people, so when they have multiple sides to 'em, that makes it harder for me, y'know? But I… I guess there's this… theory of art that says nothing is an original idea, it's all just different interpretations of our lives and shared experiences. I dunno if I agree with it completely, but it's interestin' to think that different opinions are at the root of what makes us special. O-or… s-something like that… A-anyways, we really should be movin' faster than this…" Till's voice fades out as heat crawls up his neck to his ears. He's not sure why he's turning red, it could be he's embarrassed to have gone off on a small rant about art theory, it could be the prickly familiar feeling of red eyes on him, or it could be the way this guy is rocking earrings and longer hair in a way that Till could never hope to.

"I dunno, really. Usually, I get beaten senseless or sedated before I get to this point." Till says blandly with the slightly dour tone of someone remarking on sub-optimal weather. "I'm Till. Just Till." He hopes the prompt answers will get Rei to move faster because they really will get caught at this pace…

"…Wait. Why am I the antagonist?! If anything, he's antagonizin' me!" Till spins around to face Rei (and maybe to see what the hell is taking him so long) and his expression quickly morphs from irritation to concern.

"H-hey… Are you okay? You're… not lookin' so good."

[vamplyrical]

TAKE CARE OF WHAT NOW? through all the chaos, rei sits there as ever, peering back and forth between the two as they seem to resolve the situation. well, if you could claim it as such, especially given that ivan is in very immediate danger of his face getting, well, beaten to a pulp. still, he doesn't exactly move a muscle, either, opening up his phone as if to check something trivial to what ivan just said, one leg crossing over the other leisurely with a twirl of his ankle for the moment.

honestly, it was a bit of both of their faults, and yet一

❝ Kufu. I have enough Dust to easily bail both of you out several times if needed~. ❞ right, as if that was the issue here.

placing his phone to the side, he stands up, arms reaching up as he lets out a hearty laugh. ❝ Welcome in to the manor! They are thorough here, so your belongings have all been brought along as well. Isn't such a mysterious key convenient in the end? ❞ and with that, he moves between the two, taking the tomato juice that ivan pulled out for him and grabbing a glass to pour it into.

was it intentional to position himself between the two as if it here some sort of deterrent? perhaps, though he wasn't going to let on that much, even if he, too, was risking becoming collateral damage.

@inablinkgone > foreverembrace

Till skids into the entryway in bare feet and rumpled sleep clothes. His eyes lock onto Ivan immediately -- who is, of all things, getting ready to cook -- and narrow with suspicious anger.

"I don't want any of your shitty cooking," Till growls, stomping into the kitchen with clenched fists and hackles raised. "I want to know why the fuck I woke up here! And where the fuck is here?! And how the fuck did I get here?!"

When Rei speaks, Till notices him sitting there for the first time and turns to the other dark-haired, red-eyed man (Why are there more of them? Where are they coming from? Are they here to torture Till specifically?) with wide-eyed surprise.

"Oh… Hey, Rei…"

Till stares at Rei, blinking a few times, and clearly processing this new information before coming to -- what is in his mind -- the only logical conclusion. He turn back to Ivan, lighting up with anger again like flipping on a switch.

"HIM TOO?! What is WRONG with you?! You can't just DO shit like this! You're going to get arrested! You're gonna make Mizi and Sua cry, and I'm gonna have a heart attack! I-- You--" Till runs out of words to voice his frustration, gritting his teeth and seething silently. He had promised himself he would stop getting into so many fights, but setting Ivan straight when he's crossed a line is Till's right-- nay, his god-given duty.

Till approaches Ivan, cracking his knuckles menacingly.

"Don't worry, Rei. I got this."

@foreverembrace -> vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

SHE POINTS OUT THE UNSAID FACT. if others weren't looking prior, they certainly were now, especially now that it was said aloud. ❝ Quite astute of you, Young Lady. It is, indeed, a coffin. And also my bed, ❞ he tacks on, as if it were only natural to surmise that last particular part. how was anyone supposed to garner it was something to be slept in when all they could see was the outside?

he finally stands up, dusting himself off a little before shading his gaze from the sun.

❝ A moving service? Kufu. Had I done so, would they also not be out in this atrocious heat? ❞ he's going to say this instead of admitting he hadn't exactly thought that they would be willing to move, well, a coffin. ❝ But I appreciate the concern. I'm fine~. Er... will be fine once I return this to my room after it got its upgrades. Would you care to see? ❞ time was of the essence, rei, and the heat? well, it wasn't going to die down anytime soon.

@hopeled

it's like something out of some B-rated comedy. at first cursory glance, Ritsuka assumed this was just someone crazy enough to be trying to move furniture in this heat all by themselves. she hadn't quite made out that the large item on wheels was anything but some oddly shaped box. but as she stands there, watching the not-to-be-mistaken-for-anything-else-coffin roll to a stop before her (squeaky wheels filling the silence), she comes to a realization.

this might as well happen to her.

" That's a coffin." she states matter-of-factly, hand pointing at the piece of furniture while her body leans to the side to better see the one on the ground. " You're pushing a coffin on wheels. Do– do you know that?" shaking her head, she moves around the object to extand a hand out to the other, head tilted. " I don't mind helping you but, uh.....are you sure you're not suffering from heat stroke or something? Also why didn't you just call a moving service?"

[vamplyrical]

HOW LONG HAD IT BEEN SINCE HE CLOSED HIS EYES? between the genuine eventide that sweeps over the island and the shade cast upon them as sunrise engulfs it now, it's difficult to say. what he can say is it wasn't his alarm that had woken him up, rather a visceral scream that stirred him from within the coffin of his bedroom. and now he crawls out of his room, rubbing on eye with a yawn as he hears ivan's voice from the kitchen.

slippers scrape against the floor as he makes his way through the house in his pajamas, finally making it to the kitchen. ❝ No. But tomato juice sounds just as well, ❞ he'll request, figuring coffee might not be the best, let alone a hearty dinner before he possibly might return back to bed.

that was if whatever was going on was settled beforehand一

❝ Did something happen? ❞ tired eyes trail from ivan to another entryway, taking note of a figure in its shadow. ❝ Oho? ♪ A gathering on this fine morning. What could be the occasion? ❞ if rei wasn't aware of what was going on, his sleepy expression as he goes to sit at the kitchen island doesn't betray him in the slightest as his gaze remains on till.

@inablinkgone > foreverembrace

The first strange thing Till notices upon waking is how unusually well-rested he feels. He stretches languidly across the bed, popping multiple joints, and thinks about how odd it is for him to fall asleep in a bed at all instead of passing out on the floor… He must have crawled into bed while he was too tired to remember it. That would explain why he's suspiciously less tired and achy than normal. But then... why is it so dark out? Till distinctly remembers his eyes drifting shut just as the sun was peeking over the horizon, telling himself he'll rest his eyes for just a few moments… He hopes he didn't just sleep through the entire day…

Till's eyes pop open, and he… doesn't recognize anything. Honestly, he's started to get really tired of waking up in unfamiliar places. Panic bubbles up in his chest as he jolts upright and reaches for his throat… but he's not collared or restrained in any way, and nothing hurts worse than usual.

Panic turns to relief, and then quickly to anger as his emotions roll through him -- because Till is pretty sure he knows who is responsible for this. His furious shout is loud enough to wake the entire house and their neighbors too.

"IVAN!!"

@foreverembrace -> @vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

SIGHTS AS THESE NEVER GET OLD, he thinks. perhaps, in some sickening way, his illness is a blessing to be appreciated 一 after all, it was only in the twilit hours as these that you could see something so beautiful. the nighttime was brimming with sights that so few saw due to the call of sleep, only visible to anyone who ventured out beneath the darkened skies. so to see ivan's face as it was, mask off, upon looking at it... well, it was a strange warmth that blossomed in his chest, infecting every breath as he gazes out at sea.

whether or not topics should be broached, he lets himself focus on the situation at hand. for now, at least. perhaps some day ivan would reveal what he kept secret within, whether or not he was the first to bring it up first or otherwise. he wonders, however, if ivan will ever tell him were he to leave it well alone, curious gaze lingering from the corner of his eyes at the other before returning back to the ocean.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀perhaps only time would tell一

❝ It is quite the romantic sight to behold this fair evening. ♪ ❞ he takes a step closer to the waters, allowing it to lap at his bare feet, the bioluminescence exploding into a vibrant color around his ankles with every lap of a wave. ❝ It's breathtaking from these sands, but what about... ❞ he trails off, lifting a finger to point toward the sea turtles not far off. ❝ Kufufu. Shall we give it a go? ❞

The water laps at his toes, warmer than he expected. He thinks he remembers something about how it feels warmer as the air cools at sunset, but he's not sure. Instead he's distracted by the colors coming to life in the water in front of him. His mask is off, instead simply looking at the burgeoning, colorful life with wide eyes.

It was...Beautiful. He had lived here a while, seen the beach, but never went to any of it. And here, at Sunset Circuit, the way the colors in the sky played with Moon Beach, he felt like he was standing in the sky and looking down.

He wondered, briefly, if he should explains the scars across his body that he covered up. Through-and-through and clearly fatal. Instead he wonders if Rei already knows.

He's not sure.

"I didn't think the sea could ever look like this."

SPIRALFES 2025 -> LUMINESCENT NIGHTS

@vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

THE HEAT WAS EXCRUCIATING, REALLY, the way the sun blazes down against him. had he not needed to be out this day, he would be happily snugged up into his bed and resting the harsh heat away... if only his bed wasn't within the streets right now, standing upright on wheels being pushed by none other than himself. to anyone who looked, however, they would see a rather elaborate coffin, coated black and tailored with a small cross on the front.

strange looks were a given, especially since the direction he was coming from was the church. and after some time, the heat finally collapses in on him, causing him to stumble to the ground as the ungodly roll of wheels resounds loudly until it comes to an awkward halt in front of a red-headed woman. he sits there, brushing some bangs and sweat from his face, as he looks up to see what could very well be his savior for the day.

❝ Ah~. Young lady, would you be so kind to help in getting this home for me? ❞ nope, no plans of telling her why he was hoisting a coffin through the searing hot heat to the point of near passing out.

@hopeled

[vamplyrical]

LEARNING OF IVAN WAS, WELL, interesting when saying the least. to say he was sheltered wouldn't be entirely accurate 一 while he was distant from the way humans worked, he had figured out it wasn't due to the way someone would be kept away from society. no, perhaps it was best to say their societies were entirely different, even when he, himself, kept himself somewhat distant from the usual, too. so, rei listens as he sits, the sleigh soon taking off and carrying them away from their starting point.

❝ A ceiling that pretends to be the sky, ❞ he repeats, knowing what ivan is speaking of, though being unable to grasp the considerable weight it must mean. ❝ We have those here, too. They are used for entertainment or for education. While we can see the twinkling stars here amidst this quiet, gentle night, there are places called planetaries that use it to show the universe at large. Would you be interested? ❞ he may as well ask, just in case the other would find some kind of fascination in it.

still, he leans to one of the sides, resting his chin upon his palm as he glances out toward the scenery. ❝ Tonight we have plenty of time. When the sleigh drops us off at our destination, perhaps you can experience snow properly. If not now, there is always next winter~. ❞ were ivan still here, that was, something that causes a tinge of sadness to his tone when thinking of that possibility despite the whimsical nature of his statement.

They make their way across the island. Rei was right, all of this was new to him. Even simply being able to make a plan and freely walk there, under the swiftly darkening sky. The sky being real, not simply a prize to be won and observed, was nice, too. It reminded him of being a child, but also that awe and wonder he felt for the first time his heart ever stirred.

They walked in companionable silence, two experts at saving breath to get to their location swiftly. It seemed that they would be getting on one of the last sleighs, and luck was on their side.

Climbing in, the evening chill settling in, and snowflakes starting to fall high in the sky, making it further and further down as dusk was upon them.

"You know," the first stars started twinkling in the sky,

"I don't think I've ever seen snow like this either. And I can hardly remember a sunset. Buildings were too tall, and that was when there wasn't simply a ceiling to look at that pretended to be the sky."

[vamplyrical]

❝ Oh? 'So hungry I could eat a horse.' Of course, I would not do so. It is a figure of speech after all, ❞ he replies, taking note of the reaction and, well... the horse-like features. ❝ Is this the first time you have heard a turn of phrase as this? ❞

№𝟏 - "Sorry, I didn't quite make out what you said."

"You're so hungry you could eat a...?"

[vamplyrical]

[vamplyrical]

WHEN TILL GOES OFF, HE LISTENS. he might as well, given it's some instance of learning more of ivan and, in turn, those he seems acquainted with. only stealing till's stuff 一 he can at least believe that, too, given none of his own belongings have managed to find their way into the hands of ivan returning it to him, at least not that he's aware. he is an old soul, after all... perhaps he had simply let it fade from his mind. ❝ Oho? My, my... that's a new side of Ivan. But anything is believable with humans, is it not? They're fascinating to have multiple facets of one's self, ❞ he speaks, seeming almost highly amused at what dynamic these two pose to one another, as if such an intrigue draws him in ever so slightly.

and then the realization sets in for till, the airhorn blaring loudly until the air within chokes itself into a squeaking silence. the dogs, too, howl as a siren in the distance sets off, the only prompting rei needs to soon follow after his not-so-chalant company casually.

❝ Kukuku... are you familiar with this type of thing? ❞ crimson eyes keep watch of the other, gleaning over him curiously, soon falling upon his marking (similar to ivan's own, he notes internally, though never betrays that notice once) ever so slightly as he allows his pace to remain brisk, though not urgent despite the situation. well, that was mostly due to the sun glaring down on him, making him feel more sluggish than usual, almost as if he were about to collapse within a moment to ruin their great escape. ❝ 'Not sticking around the scene,' that is, ❞ he adds, almost as if curious on the matter. his gaze casts behind them, noticing the commotion they had left behind dwindling to some degree, but...

❝ Rei. Sakuma, Rei. And might this one know who it is that has made such a fearsome antagonist to Ivan? ❞

"If by 'kleptomaniac' ya mean he only steals my stuff," Till says moodily.

"I mean, I guess it's not technically stealing because he gives it back… but he can't even give my stuff back like a normal person! He always returns it to me sayin' he 'found' it, like I'm sooo forgetful. Like he's soooo much better than me!" Till scoffs. "It's annoyin'! And no one ever believes me because he's too fuckin' nice to everyone else. It's some weird - I dunno - mind game or somethin'!" Till seems to realize what he's saying and he looks at the other man with surprise.

"Wait, you know Ivan… and you believe me?"

At the mention of Ivan's hypothetical roommates, Till's eyes grow wide like saucers. "SHIT!" He turns on his heel to run back to the window, but before he can take a step, the wailing of the airhorn which had been sounding all this time suddenly stops having run out of air finally. Till spins around, plants his feet, and puts his hands on his hips triumphantly as if this was all according to plan.

"P-problem solved!" While there's still no light in Ivan's window, other lights are coming on in neighboring houses. The loud sound seems to have caused a nearby commotion and multiple dogs are howling.

"O-okay, time to go!" He starts walking briskly away from Ivan's house in what he hopes is a nonchalant manner (it's not). "C'mon, ya don't wanna stick around here too long!"

[vamplyrical]

TO NEVER HAVE SEEN ONE, he can understand. from the little he's learned of ivan, the place that he comes from is almost barren for the likes of humans in what he so commonly knows. had he not lived it for a short period during that strange situation, he may not have truly come to understand it. no... perhaps, even now, he does not quite grasp it in full, even with his own eccentricities that outcast him from the human world beyond his bandmates.

❝ Kuku~. There's a first time for everything, now, is there not? ❞ whether being more human or seeing a creature for the very first time. ❝ Christmas and the other myriad of holidays are likely newer to you, too, if my observations are accurate. ❞

then he would be glad to show ivan, at least as much as he is able to within their time here. who knew when the others would disappear in the blink of an eye, much like how koga had shown up briefly and then dissipated like the moon upon sunrise. ❝ I am indeed! Let us be off, shall we? ❞ and he would make good on that, especially since the sun dwindles into the horizon.

"I do agree." He taps at the second option again, pulling up the directions on where to go. Beyond the word play, he hadn't been entirely sure what to expect. Reading a brief description, he nods and looks up at Rei.

"I've never seen a reindeer." There were no typical animals where he'd come from, but he had read about such things. The north, and the large antlered deer that drew sleighs.

"The night sleighs start leaving at the edge of town now, but they won't run all night." Focusing on doing things at night meant schedules could be tight and the air could be even colder than normal, but Rei was more lively at night, given his tendencies.

"Ready?"

[vamplyrical]

❝ Summer approaches faster than one expects. In a month or so... that dazzling, glaring sun sure is to be a burden during its most active days. ❞ spoken by a guy squatting down beneath a parasol, keeping himself shaded as he looks a little disdainful, let alone fatigued, toward the sunlight.

[vamplyrical]

HONESTLY, HE SHOULD HAVE STOPPED IT. and yet, he was merely a person with bystander syndrome, having been on his way to visit the very victim himself when it all transpired 一 had ivan done something to warrant this. well, what the other young man says surely makes it seem like it... stealing, huh? honestly, it is reminiscent to him of a familiar face who was not in the city himself.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀how strangely nostalgic一

and then the focus turns to him, the resounding question almost heavy, were it not for how unbothered the other young man seems. no regret fills his gaze, regardless were it during the act itself or, now, being caught. again, that sense of familiarity resounds, almost making the other chuckle as a hand lifts to his lips to withhold it.

❝ Oho? I see our dear boy Ivan has certainly gained one's wrath, ❞ he comments, turning from till to glance at the window, the subtle shriek coming from behind the glass, only for him to return his gaze back. ❝ I had not thought him a kleptomaniac? From what it is you accuse him of. Of course, there is no proof, but you seem sincere indeed. Kufufu. What a surprise. ❞ a pause, and then... ❝ What of his other roommates, then? To be caught in the crossfire as this... ❞

'I can't look at yer face anymore', he'd told Ivan.

Unfortunately, Ivan's job as a model offered Till little respite on that front. The guy's face seemed to be plastered everywhere... so, who could blame Till for letting off a little steam? He swears he'll just play one harmless prank and then he'll be good after that...

Sneaking up to Ivan's window at the neighboring house, Till quietly opens it. Pulling an air-horn and a zip-tie out of his pocket, he loops the zip-tie around the trigger of the air-horn. In one swift move, Till pulls the tie taught, releasing the air-horn's horrible wailing and throws it through Ivan's window where it continues to shriek. He slams the window shut and backs away rapidly.

"YEAH - HOW YA LIKE ME NOW, ASSHOLE?! SUCK ON THAT!"

Till turns two middle fingers up in the direction of Ivan's window.

"THAT'S FOR STEALING MY FUCKIN' PENCILS! AND MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT FROM MIZI!"

He turns around with a huff to start walking away and almost runs into a dark haired young man with red eyes.

"What?" he says, seemingly unbothered that the other guy might have watched his display - not a shred of guilt or embarrassment in his expression.

@vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

OPTIONS WERE NICE TO HAVE, especially on an island so confined beyond what their captors allowed. when these little holiday endeavors show up, he always took pleasure in them, whether the season was one of something chilly or exceedingly warm. so he listens to what ivan proposes, the two unique in their own way as he raises a brow.

❝ Oho? Kufufu... how intriguing to choose between these two~. ❞ his tone is playful, lips curled into a smile as he tilts his head against his hand. ❝ To discover the plot of a murder upon a moving train or... we could quite literally hit the button to sleigh. Why not the second, then? Do you agree to that activity, Ivan? ❞

"There are two options," He scrolls through his phone, only thinking to do anything because, well, there was plenty to do. He's not entirely sure why these activities exist - he's pretty sure it's due to some combination of holidays - but he sits on Rei's couch as dusk comes on.

"Hit the Sleigh Button, or Murder on the Polar Express. I think I read the second book..."

"What do you think?"

@vamplyrical -> winterfes 2024

[vamplyrical]

THAT WAS A REACTION HE EXPECTS, though one he has been unused to despite his time here. many had accepted his eccentric ways back home, though here... he wasn't some well known idol. no, he was merely rei sakuma, some person who could sing.

❝ Indeed, a coffin. Considering my schedule, it has never failed to keep the sun at bay while I sleep in it. ❞ spoken as if it wasn't the strangest thing to say. ❝ A caterpillar resting? Kuku... I suppose, yes. Though to equate their cocoons like a coffin, if one is not careful, it may truly offend certain creatures of the night. ❞

The sun itself might have remained a fixture, though the relief that it bore not the blistering heat of summer was a comfort — sometimes he might even forget whilst looking through a window that during these months, it couldn't compete with the chill.

—wait, what did he say?

"A coffin? Well, it would definitely keep the sun out". Certain faces from school flashed through his mind who might be won by the prospect. "I guess it wouldn't be that different to a caterpillar resting in its cocoon as it grows". Which might not have been the most suitable comparison, but what animal went to those extremes for their hibernation?

[vamplyrical]

❝ Kuku... you wish to know where I got such realistic fangs for the holidays? It's quite simple, really. ♪ I was born with them. ❞