["If I feel like it." What a wishy-washy answer. But it's Bakugo, so he'll take it for the grumpy-sounding yes it is!]
Great! Then "when I feel like" it, I'll challenge you to a dance-off! They have that one dancing game at the arcade. Dance Dance Revelation! ♪
[It's Dance Dance Revolution... (Though at night it becomes Lap Dance Revolution.)
Jun liked the arcade here. Hiyori remembers the first time they went there together, shortly after discovering their suit tattoos. Having marks added to their body without their consent was greatly upsetting for them both, so he'd suggested a trip to the arcade in order to distract themselves. They went and won each other plushies, plushies Hiyori still has in his suite.
It's been a while since then. So much has changed and so much hasn't changed. It hurts his heart a little now, remembering those days while listening to the cart groan beneath the weight of Jun's statue. But as he walks along ahead of it, he also thinks: "I've made so many memories with Jun-kun." They spent so much time together in this place, got so much closer than he ever thought possible. For all that he hates how the resort is run, he remembers more good times with his partner than bad. And that's how he wants it to be with Bakugo and his remaining friends, too.
He hopes they remember the good times. Not just the Hiyori Tomoe who cried, but the one who smiled.]
Perhaps not, but it is the month of Halloween. So if any monsters appear in the Vale, I'll rely on your heroics to protect me! ♪ And my self-defense training, but that goes without saying.
[Even his birds can put up a fight, as he witnessed last year. But rather than share that anecdote, he gets distracted by the last thing Bakugo says.]
Oh? Does that mean you have been meeting up with them? I had no clue! If you and Hiro-kun are good friends now, you should've said so earlier!
[Would he rather Bakugo snap off a "Like hell I will!" instead?! Hiyori's learning how to handle this guy and it'll pay off for him well. Lips curve in a scowl, bristling across his shoulders, yet he isn't rebuffing so far. Getting straight up challenged earns the idol a scoff as he lifts his chin in a cocky smirk.]
You think you can beat me at that? I'll slaughter you.
[Oh now this is haughty. A rough and tough hero challenging a professional idol to a dance off? Or more accepting said challenge. Of course he is! He's not gonna let Hiyori peck at him for being a coward and not taking his gauntlet throw down! (And Bakugo avoids the arcade at night, thank you.) He usually attends the arcade in the mornings to win high scores and cash in on the food, groceries, and clothing vouchers, but less so now thanks to being an Ace. He still has a fairly large cache of those vouchers...
For as much as he hates the resort and how it holds them all captive, Bakugo's not immune to feelings and bonds. There are people here he's grown close to, grown to care about, and doesn't want to lose. He wants to help them all get back home if he can, or at least have the option to come and go as they please. Hiyori needn't worry about how Bakugo remembers him. All the grumpy reactions and taunting won't have a chance to dull the illustrious shine of Hiyori Tomoe from his memories. He'll remember him as a brilliant idol, full of light and happiness, with his own sharp edges like fine emerald and cut peridot.
Bakugo won't forget him. Or his smile. Ever.]
Che! I can take out anything the Vale throws at me. [Zero lack of confidence in his skills there. He nods when Hiyori brings up his training. He's come a long way since the blonde first met him. Another turn and he guides the cart into a quieter area for easy travel.]
Haa? No, I haven't! They're your birds! [So he may have gone a few times and they were on the way... and he might have fed them or let them perch. But it's not regular. And Hiyori doesn't need to know. Hmph.] You need to train that greedy one to stop stealing shit.
[Those prideful competitive types are so predictable. Still he does add:]
Just remember who it is you're dealing with. I'm not merely "someone who likes to dance," but an idol! The leader of Eve, the "sun" of Eden, and someone who diligently practices even here. ♪
[He says that all while smiling a beaming smile. Even now, after so many months in a sex resort, and even while separated from his unit and his fans, he's still an idol. That's who he is, and it's who he'll always be.
Of course DDR isn't just a test of one's dancing skills, and in fact bears little resemblance to the kind of dancing he did onstage back home (or here occasionally at House Finch). He lacks Bakugo's degree of athleticism too, so there may be no obvious winner. But that just makes the prospect of competition even more exciting, right? For a hyper-competitive, eager-to-prove-himself boy like Bakugo, that's what it should do.
He gives the cart a wider berth as they round the corner, still smiling as Bakugo gives a predictable denial. Can he trust that denial, though...? It's hard to tell if Bakugo really hasn't seen his birds, or if he has been hanging out with them and doesn't want to admit it! Especially when he says that last thing, showing he remembers Hiro-kun well.]
"That greedy one" has a name, you know. [One that Bakugo gave him!] And I don't disagree with you, but it's easier said than done. Kids that age can be so troublesome. Especially that one, who inherited his greed from Rinne-senpai.
[Rinne, who loved gambling at the casino and dreamed of hitting the jackpot. It's no wonder Hiro impossible to discipline, given how hard-to-control Rinne was, how much trouble he caused back home. Ah, but maybe if he and Bakugo worked together—
The thought dies before he can give voice to it. If he does what he was thinking of, he won't be around to care for his birds. Indeed, he likely won't see them again. Of course he knew that's always what would happen if he got the chance to go back home, if he somehow got his Wish or if Esikko succeeded in opening up pathways, but he hardly ever thinks about it. He feels a pinprick inside his heart, and his stomach gives another squirm.
Saying goodbye really is difficult.]
Anyway, since Baku-kun's familiar with the Vale, and he's not afraid of anything, we should definitely go birdwatching after our trip to the arcade! I can try to discipline Hiro-kun, and Baku-kun can also say hello to him. Sound good?
[His tone is cheery, but his smile perhaps is a touch sadder. He's still walking a bit ahead, though, so Bakugo surely won't notice. ... right?]
Shut up. [If he's so damn predictable, they don't have to keep talking! Bakugo scoffs against Hiyori's warning and eases up on the cart's speed. Not taking a corner fast with this cargo.] Uh-huh. How often have you practiced on the DDR machine? It's not the same thing as dancing.
[There are plenty of people who play the game who've never danced a step in their life! Does he feel safe challenging Hiyori to a match? Hell yes! He trusts his own speed, reflexes, and athletic skills to see him through the idol's experience in dance moves. Not like Bakugo hasn't beaten the shit out of whack a mole and other hand-eye coordination rhythm games in the arcade. Still, Hiyori's refusal to question his own ability is heartening. He'd have dropped this guy a long time ago if he ended up cowering away from himself. But despite everything the resort's thrown at him, including this, he continues shining on. Even if Hiyori leaves, nothing less than a comet's trail, brilliant and present, will remain after him. Anything beneath that wouldn't be the idol he's come to know and care about.]
Still fucking greedy. [As much as it should amuse him the bird comes back with people's chips or glittering baubles which he's pretty damn sure the owner's going to want back.] Don't make excuses for him! Tch. You should've trained him better.
[He was one part of the bird's parental figure, so the onus falls on Hiyori to be the better parent! Bakugo takes another hall, narrowing his eyes on the eternal opponent rising into the air at the end: elevator. Not the first time he's deposited a statue behind those sliding double doors and sent it to the destination floor without his direct presence. It usually has someone inside with it, the person he's making the trek for. But does he want to leave Hiyori alone during this trip? It's only a few floors...]
Hmph. Fine. They have binoculars for rent near the aviary. [How does he know this?] We can get something to eat after the Vale.
[But not a lot. So yes, Bakugo might cream him. Doesn't mean he won't put up a fight, or perhaps perform better than expected. He has good control over his movements, but then so does Bakugo. (He'd also gladly watch him play Whack-a-Mole, especially if it involves Bakugo telling each plastic mole to "Die!" as he smacks it. That's a recipe for amusement if he's ever heard one.)]
You're not wrong, but he's a magpie, so it's sort of expected that he'd like shiny things! [Said in response to the comment about Hiro being greedy. Those Hearts game birds are some weirdass magpies, though.] I did take his coins back when I found them, but then he just started hiding them under blankets and even beneath floorboards. He's a real crafty sort.
[Again, like Rinne. Bakugo is welcome to try to discipline him if he wants, though it may just end with Hiro making a nest of his spiky hair. Despite his disapproval of Hiyori's parenting skills, though, Bakugo shows willingness to visit the Vale and his birds, even suggesting they get food afterwards. Hiyori smiles.]
Great! Then it's settled.
[He'll just shelve all those complicated feelings about leaving his birds behind for now, to be examined more closely later. And now here they are at the elevator.
Hiyori remembers what happened with Hawks' statue. Bakugo refused to get inside with it. Hiyori was going to guard the statue himself, but then he noticed the portrait ladies' eyes glittering mischievously, so he opted to leave it and take the stairs too. It was bad luck, but that sort of thing doesn't happen all the time, as he told Esikko recently. And while he doubts anything bad will happen if they do send Jun's statue up alone, he doesn't want to risk it if he can. Doesn't want it to get stolen or sent to the wrong floor, or somehow disappeared into the ether. That thing isn't Jun, but...
Hmph. I'll demolish you. [Hiyori's lucky; normally Bakugo wouldn't bother facing someone he didn't think was a challenge to him. Put up as best a fight as possible, and he might not get pissed at the idol for wasting his time. Or he'll be pleasantly surprised and really enjoy pounding Hiyori into the ground. (Hey, if he wants to see Bakugo beat the shit out of whack-a-mole, imply he can't get a high score, or ask him to get one, and it'll happen. "Die!" included.)]
How many damn hiding places does he remember? [Bakugo thought most of the Vale animals stayed in the damn Vale. Otherwise they'd have squirrels, birds, and whatever else is in there coming out to explore the casino. And making a mess in a place which likes keeping itself "clean" to the scrutinizing eye.
Is Bakugo going to try disciplining the bird? Unlikely. He'll leave him just the way he is out of respect for Hiyori. Minus Hiro trying to next in his hair. That'll get him a yell. He can stick on the blonde's shoulder if he wants to hitch a ride while Bakugo's hiking the trails.]
Aa. [Though he could stay with Hiyori and make a one-time exception for his rule... this is also the guy who warned Bakugo about the elevators. Sticking around now would break his unbroken streak since that day. Stubbornness wins out. He sees Hiyori inside the elevator, letting him hold the door while Bakugo carefully works the statue-laden cart into the metal room. He makes sure to keep a leg outside so it can't pull a fast one and lock them in there together. Once he's satisfied with the cart's position and security, he steps back out -- but not before smacking the 2 button on the wall.]
Second floor.
[With that, he waits for the doors to close, then heads to the stairs. A quick BOOM! blasts him to the next floor and he's outside the door once the elevator opens up to reveal Hiyori and the statue safe inside.
Damn right he's going to do this floor by floor to prevent any resort bullshit along the wall. If an elevator issue wants to make trouble for Hiyori, it's gonna get found out in seconds and obliterated.]
Knew you'd say that, too! [Obnoxious.] But sounds fun! May the best dancer win~♪
[If Bakugo does win, though, Hiyori won't actually be ceding the title of "best dancer" to him. He's not very competitive in general, but he does have his pride as an idol.]
The Vale's a big area, so there's plenty of room to hide something as small as a coin. The bigger question is where he gets them all from. I'm almost tempted to think he flies outside and steals from the casino at night. That or he has a metal detector!
[It's true, the animals probably don't leave the Vale and the Conservatory, or at least they shouldn't be. (Rinne did deliberately release some birds from the Vale on purpose once, just to piss of the staff.) So where does the seemingly neverending supply of gold coins come from? It truly is a mystery! One he's all too happy to focus on in lieu of thinking about sad things, like Jun's statuefication or his impending departure.
But it can't last forever. They reach the elevators and he gets inside, holding the door open with his arm so Bakugo can push the cart in. It's fine: the statue's going to be stored in his room from now on. He can handle riding with it in an elevator. He reaches to press the button for the eighth floor—
And then he blinks.]
Hm?
[But the doors shut on him before he can get an explanation. After a moment's pause, he does as he's told and hits the second button—figuring, after everything, that he can trust Bakugo enough to follow along.
Once they're at the next floor and he sees Bakugo outside the doors, he realizes what's going on—that Bakugo plans to do this every floor, just as he did with Hawks' statue that time. It seems excessive. And yet, that diligent attitude of his is something Hiyori can't help but admire. It gives him no time alone with the statue, no time to brood—and that, too, is fine, since he'll have more than enough time for that later. He smiles, and then keeps smiling until they've reached his floor.]
All safe! Thanks to someone watching over us~♪
[It's out of the elevator and off to his room, now. He hovers by the door for a moment before unlocking with his keycard. So many times—he's unlocked this door so many times. He's been living in this room for so long, and with Jun for most of it. But all things come to an end.]
It's a bit messy, but there should be some space, anyway.
[And true to his word, they should be able to wheel the cart inside suite without much difficulty. With the cart, the sitting area is a bit cramped, and Hiyori's description of the suite as "messy" isn't inaccurate: lots of items lay strewn about the surfaces, many of them Hiyori's, but several of them Jun's. Jun's slippers, Jun's exercise equipment, Jun's sweatclothes and snacks: this was his suite as much as it was Hiyori's. The table has a dirty dish sitting on it, and the couch has some pillows and a bunched-up blanket. It looks like it's been slept on recently.]
[Bakugo's pretty damn sure the bird manages to get out into the casino for his pilfering activities. Even if the Vale manages to keep most of its menagerie within limited bounds, people go in and out regardless. What's stopping a bird from hitching a ride through the entrance or swooping through the doorway? As long as the little pest returns back to his roost afterwards, there won't be a problem. "Problem" meaning Bakugo having to look for him.
The other option is stealing from people in the Vale itself. He's pretty sure some idiots count chips or toss sparkly things around in the place. Being the only area within the resort with "natural" sunlight. Thoughts taking up the hero's mind as he traverses each floor. Hiyori's kept safe (relatively) and Bakugo gets a workout with each bounding blast hooking up to the floor above. If anything in the elevator thinks it's safe from a revenge-filled explosion because Hiyori and the statue are within the confines, they have no fucking clue how fast the hero's reaction speed and Quirk actually are. This is the guy who stole back credit cards, purses, wallets, and other belongings from the thieves he was simultaneously blowing up. Not a scratch on them.
It's not excessive! It's effective!
With a final 'ding' glowing through space, the elevator finishes its trek and Bakugo helps maneuver the cart and statue through golden doors and softly wheeling onto carpeted surface once more. Hiyori takes the lead and he follows like some weird hospital orderly making delivery through rich halls. Bakugo gives him his due outside the room, but makes sure the door's open wide enough he can safely pass the statue and cart through without dint or clunk. Like hell is he going to trip at the finish line.]
What the hell!? Didn't you learn how to clean up after yourself?! [Hiyori walks around perfectly coifed and sparkling, but he's living in a damn pig stye! He parks the statue (in cart) by the wall and steps away, scowling around the room with a disgusted curl on his lip.] Your fans would be appalled.
[Excessive and effective. Or effective because it's excessive, perhaps. Either way it gets the job done, and Bakugo won't hear any complaints from Hiyori's lips once the statue's arrived safely at his suite.
He does, evidently, have his own complaints, though, about the state of Hiyori's room. Hiyori frowns a bit at that—he could shoot back that Bakugo's suite was in an even worse state when he saw it the other month, but that was destruction rather than slobbiness. And he also knows full well why it was in such a state, so he won't comment.]
I know how to clean! My dorm room at home was always in great shape, even though I shared with Rinne-senpai and Kanata-kun! But some of these things are Jun-kun's, so cleaning those up makes me feel a bit...
[He trails off, then shrugs.]
Anyway, I have to move some things to fit the statue, so first I'll do that. And then I suppose I should water the plants, too.
[He looks over at his sunflowers.
There are about six of them sitting on the table that separates the sitting area from the bed and bath. Three are incredibly tall, while three are dwarfs. But all of them are vibrant, somehow thriving indoors without any natural sunlight.
Or at least they were thriving. The three tall ones are starting to look a bit wilted, and almost... dejected? But as Hiyori turns and takes half a step towards them, something funny happens: they seem to perk up. The flowers move incrementally as though lifting their heads. Almost like they're sentient beings with souls!
Noticing this, Hiyori says:]
Actually, I'll do that first!
[And then he skips on over, the sunflowers perking up even more visibly as they "watch" him approach.]
[Ugh, people who live in a mess... Can't fucking understand them. Why would you wanna root around under strewn clothes and kick aside weird possessions while trying to find one specific thing? Or clean the same utensil each time you eat? Machines exist to help people get jobs done! Drawers and dressers keep shit out of the way and together! Use the fucking benefits! Reminds him of U.A. and the other extras in his dorm. Most of them were good with keeping shit clean; some of them sucked at it.]
Tch. You can at least get them organized. [Without looking like a trade market exploded in the living room. Bakugo already notes whether Hiyori's got things in some organized state, keeping shirts and pants together while socks and drawers go alongside each other. He knows how hard it is to go through a lost one's possessions. Letting someone else without the attachment can help.
While Hiyori waters his plants and figures out where to put the statue, Bakugo begins straightening up the clutter. Jun's shirts folded and tiled down one row of the couch, his pants soon alongside in the same pattern. Efficiently and meticulously scraping across the area consolidating and cleaning without leaving any one piece out of Hiyori's sight.]
Oy, what the hell's with those flowers? [They're obviously alive, but they're moving like they're living noticing creatures!]
[He's not a total slob! He knows how to pick up after himself! Though he is used to Jun doing that for him (and before Jun, the household servants at his rich family home). The bigger issue was grief. Ever since Jun disappeared, his energy has been depleted, and he really didn't want to go through Jun's possessions. Didn't want to go through any possessions, really: most items in the suite were shared, since they lived together. The bed, the tea kettle, the bath products... even the knitted green blanket on the couch. That was handmade by Jun and gifted to Hiyori on his birthday last year. Everything had memories attached to it, and everything reminded him of Jun.
Now, however, the despair is less potent. He's still lonely, seeing Jun's things, but he no longer feels hopeless. Jun isn't frozen in stone forever; he's elsewhere, somewhere outside the resort. Which means Hiyori can see him again, as long as he gets to where Jun is. It might be easier said than done, leaving the resort, but if he follows in Jun's footsteps, then...
Well, anyway. First thing's first. He should be able to clean up the suite now that he's no longer consumed by despair. But he prioritizes the flowers: those are living things (very living, as Bakugo is soon to find out), and he feels bad for neglecting them these past few days. Time to water the plants!
By which he means the dwarf sunflowers. The other, taller ones require a different kind of watering. He takes care of the dwarfs first, which only makes the tall sunflowers even antsier, something Bakugo notices from his end of the room. Hiyori turns around and says:]
You mean these? I guess this is your first meeting.
[He brushes his fingers against one tall sunflower's petals. Subtly, the sunflower bends its stalk and seems to bow its head, almost, as though leaning ever-so-slightly into the touch. Is it cute, or just creepy? Hiyori seems to find it cute, anyway, and looks at the plant fondly, and maybe a tad apologetically. He's sorry he neglected it even for a day.
It also didn't escape his notice that Bakugo has started to clean up. All that griping, but he still took it upon himself to help out even though Hiyori never asked. He's a good boy, as usual, and Hiyori's eyes crinkle fondly at the corners as he looks back at him. As always, he's grateful, whether he says so or not.]
All six of these were gifts, but the tall ones are special. They were developed by a person we both know, and they don't need sunlight as long as they get one thing from me. Rather than explain, it might be faster to just show you, so why don't you stop cleaning and watch? All attention on me, please! ♪
[He's addressing Bakugo, but also the sunflowers. They seem to be waiting, hanging on his next words... as strange as that probably still seems.]
[He could've fooled Bakugo the first second he saw the idol's room. Until he realized what and why those clothes and belongings were scattered all around the room. Someone like Hiyori would never be able to dispose of those precious possessions, far too many memories and feelings seeped into them to let them go. Since he and Jun lived together, at least the resort hasn't sent its shitty staff to "clean out" the departed guest's personal effects.
Unaware of Hiyori's mental planning, Bakugo focuses on straightening up his friend's scattered assortment. Ultimately the decision to pack and store Jun's belongings lies on the idol, but he'll have an easier time of it than staring at everything splayed all over and not knowing where to start. Not the first time Bakugo's angrily cleaned up someone's living space because he didn't want to sit around in their mess.
Those were the plans, at least until Hiyori starts dealing with moving flowers. He narrows his eyes in suspicion; nothing in this resort which moves outside of people and expected machines is trustworthy. Almost always hiding some stupid crap to shove people into perverted designs.]
I've never been in your apartment before!
[Of course it's the first time! And why the hell is Hiyori talking like the flowers are sentient, or at least sapient. They're not like his birds. Unless they are... which is creepy as fuck. Like hell is it cute! Watching the flower bend stalk and nuzzle head makes his upper lip curl in distrust. A living plant. Where's the jagged teeth and blood-sucking lips? Bakugo finishes folding the last of Jun's shirts and finishes tiling them on the couch.]
You better not be sticking your bleeding finger or dick in there.
[Look, if Esikko's the one who made those flowers... His own flowers run on blood, dammit! And they're made in the resort, so what the hell's he supposed to think? Unless Hiyori's gonna do something stupid like sparkle for their dinner.]
[It checks out. He received the flowers as a Christmas gift from Esikko, and Christmas is 10 months in the past at this point. It just seems absurd that Bakugo has never visited his suite, given that Hiyori has been to Bakugo's several times, and they've been friends for a while (in Hiyori's mind, anyway. He knows Bakugo is allergic to that particular f-word.)
It feels like a missed opportunity. Now isn't the best time to play host, but he wants to try to make up for some of that lost time! ... or at least he does until Bakugo says that horribly crude thing at the end. That causes him to scrunch his face up, predictably enough, and he shoots back:]
Hey! [A sharp glare is sent Bakugo's way.] That was so not funny! I'm grateful for your help with Jun-kun, but I'll thank you not to say nasty things about me, or my sunflowers!
[They're like pets to him! Cherished pets, sort of like his birds. Even when he and Esikko were feuding, he still took care of them dutifully. But what does taking care of them entail, when they don't grow from water and sunlight the way a normal plant does?
Bakugo's about to find out! If Hiyori doesn't get fed up and throw him out of his suite first, that is. But for now he hasn't. Instead, he somewhat aggressively tells him:]
Just have a seat! There's leftover food in the mini fridge, and there are leftover cookies if you want some! [(Though the food might be about to go bad and the cookies may be a bit stale, since he hasn't exactly been eating properly since Jun disappeared, either.)] But if you're not hungry, just sit back and listen!
[And then, with a final huff, he turns to his sunflowers. There are a few moments' pause, Hiyori giving himself time to cool down, before he begins to sing.]
...♪~♪~♪
[Softly he begins, his voice gaining volume as he goes on. Why Sunlit Smile? Because he felt like it: these are sunflowers, he's in a better enough mood to sing a cheerful song, and the thought of singing one of his and Jun's songs no longer breaks his heart. Why is he singing, period? Because that's what the flowers need for nourishment, as told by Esikko when he gifted them. And true to the prince's word, the flowers respond to their concert: the heads perk up, and they stand tall at attention, the arc of their stems bending towards Hiyori as though drawn to the sun itself.]
Didja go deaf? [His eyebrow twitches in irritation having his words doubted. Why the hell would he bother lying about something mundane?! Even if he's well past a year and a half in the resort, he hasn't been to Hiyori's apartment. Never was invited. Hiyori either came to his place or they met somewhere in the resort for whatever they were doing. Restaurants, cafes, the Vale, the gym, whatever event was happening at the moment.
His expression drops flat. Typical idol response. Hands up and skirts lifted to ward off any crude commentary. It'd be amusing if it weren't so pathetic... Okay, it's kind of amusing. Bakugo could've held his tongue. What was he supposed to think with Hiyori talking like that and dropping his hands lower?]
Gonna tell me or not? [Hiyori isn't watering them with water. There's no real sunlight. Magic's beyond the idol, unless he's gonna shine on them. Plant food? No bag's appeared. Options run out in his mind and he folds his arms over his chest. Waiting.]
Huh? [What kind of rich boy host would serve someone leftovers?! ... A stuck up spoiled one with an attitude problem. Hiyori does it out of naive kindness at least. Bakugo passes on the food for now, more interested in what's going on with these mutated blooms. He'll look in the guy's fridge later and chide him on his contents.
Wait-
Listen?
... OH FUCKING HELL!! No-!
He wrenches his face up in disgust and shock. They feed on music and song?! Ugh. Shoulders drop and his expression sinks back to a wry expectancy, lips together and head canted just to the side. Should've figured it'd be something related to music and not to dicks. This is Hiyori. Wouldn't put it past him to "water" his plants with love between him and Jun.
[Normally he wouldn't! Normally he'd serve up a bunch of hors d'oeuvres. He's a big fan of tea parties with towering trays full of cakes and finger sandwiches. He just... isn't well-stocked at the moment. (It doesn't help that Jun did some of the grocery shopping and basically all of the cooking.)
If Esikko had given him a plant he has to water with his ***, he would've returned it to the sender with some choice words. Fortunately he didn't, and as Bakugo watches and listens, the true source of their nourishment is revealed: not sun or water, but song. And it makes sense, doesn't it? It's fitting, isn't it? This is what Hiyori Tomoe has always wanted, how he wishes the world actually worked: for everyone to need only his songs to thrive. For his singing to bring light and love to everyone.
Esikko can't do that for him; can't rewrite the laws of the universe. But it seems to be working on the flowers. Even without voices to cheer with, the flowers make their enjoyment known: their heads facing him, petals bobbing along to the music. They're normally not this responsive (and therefore a bit less creepy), but after several days of no song, they craved Hiyori's singing like a child deprived of love. It's sweet, if also a little sad. It's one more thing he'll have to make arrangements for if he does go through with his idea. But for now...
For now, he sings his heart out and that's enough.
He finishes the final chorus, then the outro—]
Be bold, like the sun itself! ♪
[—and even dances a bit, ending his song by pointing at the flowers.
If they could applaud him, they probably would! But thankfully for Bakugo, they don't do anything that creepy, and instead just wait for an encore. Hiyori turns around to get another look at Bakugo, a satisfied (and sunny) smile on his lips.]
See? Aren't they so cute? ♪ They love music, and they love my voice!
[Good thing he didn't pour out the edible excess; Bakugo's gotten pissed at his classmate for making a cake (a big one) as a celebration treat for passing his remediation course... No surprise Hiyori likes throwing tea parties, even if he doesn't seem like someone who'd eat a lot of those cakes and finger sandwiches. Does he even know how to cook? Probably orders others around while doing only select few activities during preparation and setup.
Singing for his plants is both extremely ridiculous and fitting as fuck for Hiyori. Doesn't have to bother watering or feeding them, no traditional botanical care, just open his damn mouth and do what he normally does while wandering around his kitchen. Che, like a damn Western cartoon. The Disney kind. Bakugo only gives a minute of his patience before he's heading back to the living area and continuing his work on sorting Jun's things into manageable sections.
Thank fuck Hiyori isn't a grating shitty singer. He only shoots a scowl once when the idol belts out a particularly long and loud note, but doesn't bark at him. For once. Tempted to bean this book off his head though...
The idol ends his song with a dancing step and flower point; Bakugo finishes his latest organization with a quick thud of one book atop the other, free hand straightening the spines into alignment.
Better not be an encore...]
Why wouldn't they? They were made for you. [Esikko's a lot of annoying things, but ineffective in plant-based magic isn't one of them.] Don't let them wilt like that again, Parrot.
[According to canon, he actually can cook when asked to! He's had to do it for TV programs. But he still made Jun cook three meals a day for him at Reimei instead of opting to lift a finger himself, so...
The flowers would have been very disappointed if Hiyori's concert had been cut short by a book to the head, but thankfully that does not happen and Bakugo listens respectfully. Mostly. Hiyori doesn't notice the scowl, not that it would have mattered. Now that he's gotten his voice back, in a matter of speaking, nothing and no one could stop him from singing to these sunflowers.
(Nothing, of course, except exiting the resort to go chase Jun-kun and leaving only a statue behind.)
The song ends, he turns to face Bakugo again, and his eyes soften at the other boy's response. The flowers were made for him, he says, simple and straightforward. And then: "don't let them wilt like that again." Strict and direct but not unkind. A funny mix of feelings swirl through him: determination and happiness, gratitude and guilt. He wants to say he'll never leave them, that he'll always take care of them. But after the idea he had... after that, how much longer does he have?
He agrees with the spirit of the question, though, and so he nods once, decisive.]
Mm! I'll keep tending to them every day. Until either my lungs collapse or the sky does, I'll sing my very heart out...♪
[He looks at the flowers again: fond, a little sad, but his gaze is reassuring. As though trying to signal to them that the sky won't fall. No matter what, he'll keep singing, whether at home or at the resort. And he also knows at least one person who'd be a good candidate to sing to them in his absence. But as for right now...]
In fact, it looks like they want an encore, so I ought to do that next!
[Sorry, Bakugo.]
And it seems like it ought to be something bubbly and cheery to keep the trend going, so I know just the thing! I'll go grab my phone, though, since that has the instrumental track I need. And then I'll hook that up to the Goldtooth speaker, and we should be good to go!
[Yes, he bought a Bluetooth speaker. But it was sold at the Golden Peacock, so it was called Goldtooth! He abandons his post in front of the flowers and skips off to the adjacent bedroom, leaving Bakugo to shelve the books however he wants. God help him.
(As for what kind of books the suite has: a weird assortment of stuff. Mystery novels, myths, books about magic and other world customs. And action-y comics that were probably Jun's.)]
[Anyone can cook. Boil an egg, fry a can of tuna in a skillet, chop up an apple. Bakugo would give Hiyori on a cooking show a face-full of suspicion if he ever saw him behind the counter. Imitation doesn't mean someone knows what the fuck they're doing...
Giving someone long-term orders is a foolish expectation in the Golden Peacock. None of them have any idea how long they have left on any given day. Jun's statue is proof enough. Yet heroes are always making foolish promises, holding themselves to impossible expectations, saying idyllic things in reality's face. Why? Because how else are they to move forward if they only ever settle for what's immediately in front of them? Even as the bridge supports snap and muscles scream, a strong hand holds on and a smiling face blazes down at the crying civilian holding on for dear life: It'll be alright!
Bakugo makes those promises and gives those orders to people he cares about. Because as long as they're here, he won't abandon any of them to what if's and maybe's. Doing anything less is a pathetic hero.]
Does it have to be your physical voice? Or would a recording work? [He quickly clarifies before Hiyori can get huffy and mad at him.] In case you get a fucking cold or this shithole wrecks your throat.
[At least he didn't mention Hiyori going down on someone so hard his throat gets wrecked. He may or may not be preparing for what he suspects might be happening.]
OY! At least clean something up while you do it!
[He's not putting Hiyori's living space up for his own damn health! They're trying to make some room for Jun and help Hiyori process some of his grief! He gapes incredulously as the idol flounces off to his room. Seriously!? When the hell did this become a fucking concert with an audience of one?! ... Flowers not counted.
At least Hiyori has some quality books without the smut.]
[True, true. But then most people don't have a personal chef employed at home (or an underclassman who waits on them). There's a market for showing idols fail at cooking, in an "aren't they so adorably helpless?" kind of way. But Hiyori wanted to avoid that sort of image for himself. He'd already had enough of being seen as adorably incompetent at home; his idol persona was meant to be different. He's the type who can accomplish a lot when he puts his mind to things, so it wasn't hard to pick up some skills.
Bakugo's question gives him some pause, since he'd never really considered it. Bakugo clarifies that he's talking about "in case he gets a cold," and not for other reasons, like suspecting he's about to become a statue on purpose. Still, they both know a cold isn't the only thing that might hinder his singing. Even if he did decide to stick around, he could still disappear at any time. Just like Jun did, and just like so many of their other friends did.]
I'm normally not the type who catches colds! [He can't help but chime.] But I suppose there's no reason to think a recording wouldn't work. And I do have lots of those on my phone, since my smartphone has all our music.
[In other words:]
We'll just have to test it!
[All the more reason to skip to the other room and grab his smartphone, which is what Hiyori does next, despite Bakugo's complaints. When he suggests cleaning at the same time as singing:]
You mean like when we all sang "Cleanup Time" as kids? [A carefree shrug as he re-enters the sitting area, paired with a bright smile.] Sure, that sounds fun! But if you want to go that route, you'll have to sing along, too. I'm sure they'll also appreciate your voice, since you know how to project it loudly. So, let's both sing! ♪ Unless you'd rather test the recordings first. Which will it be?
[He waggles his phone after pitching that question. And no, he still hasn't made a move to clean anything up yet.]
[Finally finishing with Jun's items on the couch, Bakugo heads for another area of Hiyori's room to tackle straightening it in preparation for further work. While he isn't gonna hurry the idol through figuring out what to do with his boyfriend's things, leaving it lying around all spread out and forlorn won't help Hiyori process anything. It'll remain where it was. This way, the idol at least knows the first steps are already taken, and he doesn't have to flounder at the bottom, wrestling with indecision and emotion.
Hiyori pauses and Bakugo frowns his way. Did he never think of what might happen if he lost his voice or couldn't sing? Fuck, people take pains to water their plants when they aren't gonna be home for a while, either hiring someone to come by or using contraptions. Mattaku, this guy's so clueless sometimes.]
You want me to list other reasons? [Snapped right back in knowing threat. Don't brag like an ignorant! You know what he was implying with his question, Parrot! He turns back to his previous work, content Hiyori believes a recording will be as effective. Good to know. But if the guy does leave, will his phone remain behind? Since it was "brought" here to this world. A duplicate at least. Likely, since the resort copies so much shit from people's worlds.]
Go for it. [Muttered dismissively through his teeth. Bastard used the excuse to skip out on his section, dammit! Bakugo's only doing the table and the rest is left for Hiyori to finish!]
Haa?! Preschoolers sang that! [He barely remembers the lyrics! Good thing too! Papers stack neatly on end before dropping to the table with a breathy slap. Wait- what?]
Oy! They're your flowers feeding on your voice! I'm not singing shit for them! [As if Hiyori expected anything less than RAWR over such a request.] Check the recording first. That's more important.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 11/2/25 16:41 (UTC)Great! Then "when I feel like" it, I'll challenge you to a dance-off! They have that one dancing game at the arcade. Dance Dance Revelation! ♪
[It's Dance Dance Revolution... (Though at night it becomes Lap Dance Revolution.)
Jun liked the arcade here. Hiyori remembers the first time they went there together, shortly after discovering their suit tattoos. Having marks added to their body without their consent was greatly upsetting for them both, so he'd suggested a trip to the arcade in order to distract themselves. They went and won each other plushies, plushies Hiyori still has in his suite.
It's been a while since then. So much has changed and so much hasn't changed. It hurts his heart a little now, remembering those days while listening to the cart groan beneath the weight of Jun's statue. But as he walks along ahead of it, he also thinks: "I've made so many memories with Jun-kun." They spent so much time together in this place, got so much closer than he ever thought possible. For all that he hates how the resort is run, he remembers more good times with his partner than bad. And that's how he wants it to be with Bakugo and his remaining friends, too.
He hopes they remember the good times. Not just the Hiyori Tomoe who cried, but the one who smiled.]
Perhaps not, but it is the month of Halloween. So if any monsters appear in the Vale, I'll rely on your heroics to protect me! ♪ And my self-defense training, but that goes without saying.
[Even his birds can put up a fight, as he witnessed last year. But rather than share that anecdote, he gets distracted by the last thing Bakugo says.]
Oh? Does that mean you have been meeting up with them? I had no clue! If you and Hiro-kun are good friends now, you should've said so earlier!
no subject
Date: 11/3/25 03:04 (UTC)You think you can beat me at that? I'll slaughter you.
[Oh now this is haughty. A rough and tough hero challenging a professional idol to a dance off? Or more accepting said challenge. Of course he is! He's not gonna let Hiyori peck at him for being a coward and not taking his gauntlet throw down! (And Bakugo avoids the arcade at night, thank you.) He usually attends the arcade in the mornings to win high scores and cash in on the food, groceries, and clothing vouchers, but less so now thanks to being an Ace. He still has a fairly large cache of those vouchers...
For as much as he hates the resort and how it holds them all captive, Bakugo's not immune to feelings and bonds. There are people here he's grown close to, grown to care about, and doesn't want to lose. He wants to help them all get back home if he can, or at least have the option to come and go as they please. Hiyori needn't worry about how Bakugo remembers him. All the grumpy reactions and taunting won't have a chance to dull the illustrious shine of Hiyori Tomoe from his memories. He'll remember him as a brilliant idol, full of light and happiness, with his own sharp edges like fine emerald and cut peridot.
Bakugo won't forget him. Or his smile. Ever.]
Che! I can take out anything the Vale throws at me. [Zero lack of confidence in his skills there. He nods when Hiyori brings up his training. He's come a long way since the blonde first met him. Another turn and he guides the cart into a quieter area for easy travel.]
Haa? No, I haven't! They're your birds! [So he may have gone a few times and they were on the way... and he might have fed them or let them perch. But it's not regular. And Hiyori doesn't need to know. Hmph.] You need to train that greedy one to stop stealing shit.
no subject
Date: 11/4/25 16:00 (UTC)I knew you'd say that, too!
[Those prideful competitive types are so predictable. Still he does add:]
Just remember who it is you're dealing with. I'm not merely "someone who likes to dance," but an idol! The leader of Eve, the "sun" of Eden, and someone who diligently practices even here. ♪
[He says that all while smiling a beaming smile. Even now, after so many months in a sex resort, and even while separated from his unit and his fans, he's still an idol. That's who he is, and it's who he'll always be.
Of course DDR isn't just a test of one's dancing skills, and in fact bears little resemblance to the kind of dancing he did onstage back home (or here occasionally at House Finch). He lacks Bakugo's degree of athleticism too, so there may be no obvious winner. But that just makes the prospect of competition even more exciting, right? For a hyper-competitive, eager-to-prove-himself boy like Bakugo, that's what it should do.
He gives the cart a wider berth as they round the corner, still smiling as Bakugo gives a predictable denial. Can he trust that denial, though...? It's hard to tell if Bakugo really hasn't seen his birds, or if he has been hanging out with them and doesn't want to admit it! Especially when he says that last thing, showing he remembers Hiro-kun well.]
"That greedy one" has a name, you know. [One that Bakugo gave him!] And I don't disagree with you, but it's easier said than done. Kids that age can be so troublesome. Especially that one, who inherited his greed from Rinne-senpai.
[Rinne, who loved gambling at the casino and dreamed of hitting the jackpot. It's no wonder Hiro impossible to discipline, given how hard-to-control Rinne was, how much trouble he caused back home. Ah, but maybe if he and Bakugo worked together—
The thought dies before he can give voice to it. If he does what he was thinking of, he won't be around to care for his birds. Indeed, he likely won't see them again. Of course he knew that's always what would happen if he got the chance to go back home, if he somehow got his Wish or if Esikko succeeded in opening up pathways, but he hardly ever thinks about it. He feels a pinprick inside his heart, and his stomach gives another squirm.
Saying goodbye really is difficult.]
Anyway, since Baku-kun's familiar with the Vale, and he's not afraid of anything, we should definitely go birdwatching after our trip to the arcade! I can try to discipline Hiro-kun, and Baku-kun can also say hello to him. Sound good?
[His tone is cheery, but his smile perhaps is a touch sadder. He's still walking a bit ahead, though, so Bakugo surely won't notice. ... right?]
no subject
Date: 11/6/25 03:42 (UTC)[There are plenty of people who play the game who've never danced a step in their life! Does he feel safe challenging Hiyori to a match? Hell yes! He trusts his own speed, reflexes, and athletic skills to see him through the idol's experience in dance moves. Not like Bakugo hasn't beaten the shit out of whack a mole and other hand-eye coordination rhythm games in the arcade. Still, Hiyori's refusal to question his own ability is heartening. He'd have dropped this guy a long time ago if he ended up cowering away from himself. But despite everything the resort's thrown at him, including this, he continues shining on. Even if Hiyori leaves, nothing less than a comet's trail, brilliant and present, will remain after him. Anything beneath that wouldn't be the idol he's come to know and care about.]
Still fucking greedy. [As much as it should amuse him the bird comes back with people's chips or glittering baubles which he's pretty damn sure the owner's going to want back.] Don't make excuses for him! Tch. You should've trained him better.
[He was one part of the bird's parental figure, so the onus falls on Hiyori to be the better parent! Bakugo takes another hall, narrowing his eyes on the eternal opponent rising into the air at the end: elevator. Not the first time he's deposited a statue behind those sliding double doors and sent it to the destination floor without his direct presence. It usually has someone inside with it, the person he's making the trek for. But does he want to leave Hiyori alone during this trip? It's only a few floors...]
Hmph. Fine. They have binoculars for rent near the aviary. [How does he know this?] We can get something to eat after the Vale.
no subject
Date: 11/7/25 18:18 (UTC)[But not a lot. So yes, Bakugo might cream him. Doesn't mean he won't put up a fight, or perhaps perform better than expected. He has good control over his movements, but then so does Bakugo. (He'd also gladly watch him play Whack-a-Mole, especially if it involves Bakugo telling each plastic mole to "Die!" as he smacks it. That's a recipe for amusement if he's ever heard one.)]
You're not wrong, but he's a magpie, so it's sort of expected that he'd like shiny things! [Said in response to the comment about Hiro being greedy. Those Hearts game birds are some weirdass magpies, though.] I did take his coins back when I found them, but then he just started hiding them under blankets and even beneath floorboards. He's a real crafty sort.
[Again, like Rinne. Bakugo is welcome to try to discipline him if he wants, though it may just end with Hiro making a nest of his spiky hair. Despite his disapproval of Hiyori's parenting skills, though, Bakugo shows willingness to visit the Vale and his birds, even suggesting they get food afterwards. Hiyori smiles.]
Great! Then it's settled.
[He'll just shelve all those complicated feelings about leaving his birds behind for now, to be examined more closely later. And now here they are at the elevator.
Hiyori remembers what happened with Hawks' statue. Bakugo refused to get inside with it. Hiyori was going to guard the statue himself, but then he noticed the portrait ladies' eyes glittering mischievously, so he opted to leave it and take the stairs too. It was bad luck, but that sort of thing doesn't happen all the time, as he told Esikko recently. And while he doubts anything bad will happen if they do send Jun's statue up alone, he doesn't want to risk it if he can. Doesn't want it to get stolen or sent to the wrong floor, or somehow disappeared into the ether. That thing isn't Jun, but...
He looks at Bakugo.]
Meet you on the eighth floor.
no subject
Date: 11/11/25 04:54 (UTC)How many damn hiding places does he remember? [Bakugo thought most of the Vale animals stayed in the damn Vale. Otherwise they'd have squirrels, birds, and whatever else is in there coming out to explore the casino. And making a mess in a place which likes keeping itself "clean" to the scrutinizing eye.
Is Bakugo going to try disciplining the bird? Unlikely. He'll leave him just the way he is out of respect for Hiyori. Minus Hiro trying to next in his hair. That'll get him a yell. He can stick on the blonde's shoulder if he wants to hitch a ride while Bakugo's hiking the trails.]
Aa. [Though he could stay with Hiyori and make a one-time exception for his rule... this is also the guy who warned Bakugo about the elevators. Sticking around now would break his unbroken streak since that day. Stubbornness wins out. He sees Hiyori inside the elevator, letting him hold the door while Bakugo carefully works the statue-laden cart into the metal room. He makes sure to keep a leg outside so it can't pull a fast one and lock them in there together. Once he's satisfied with the cart's position and security, he steps back out -- but not before smacking the 2 button on the wall.]
Second floor.
[With that, he waits for the doors to close, then heads to the stairs. A quick BOOM! blasts him to the next floor and he's outside the door once the elevator opens up to reveal Hiyori and the statue safe inside.
Damn right he's going to do this floor by floor to prevent any resort bullshit along the wall. If an elevator issue wants to make trouble for Hiyori, it's gonna get found out in seconds and obliterated.]
no subject
Date: 11/13/25 04:28 (UTC)[If Bakugo does win, though, Hiyori won't actually be ceding the title of "best dancer" to him. He's not very competitive in general, but he does have his pride as an idol.]
The Vale's a big area, so there's plenty of room to hide something as small as a coin. The bigger question is where he gets them all from. I'm almost tempted to think he flies outside and steals from the casino at night. That or he has a metal detector!
[It's true, the animals probably don't leave the Vale and the Conservatory, or at least they shouldn't be. (Rinne did deliberately release some birds from the Vale on purpose once, just to piss of the staff.) So where does the seemingly neverending supply of gold coins come from? It truly is a mystery! One he's all too happy to focus on in lieu of thinking about sad things, like Jun's statuefication or his impending departure.
But it can't last forever. They reach the elevators and he gets inside, holding the door open with his arm so Bakugo can push the cart in. It's fine: the statue's going to be stored in his room from now on. He can handle riding with it in an elevator. He reaches to press the button for the eighth floor—
And then he blinks.]
Hm?
[But the doors shut on him before he can get an explanation. After a moment's pause, he does as he's told and hits the second button—figuring, after everything, that he can trust Bakugo enough to follow along.
Once they're at the next floor and he sees Bakugo outside the doors, he realizes what's going on—that Bakugo plans to do this every floor, just as he did with Hawks' statue that time. It seems excessive. And yet, that diligent attitude of his is something Hiyori can't help but admire. It gives him no time alone with the statue, no time to brood—and that, too, is fine, since he'll have more than enough time for that later. He smiles, and then keeps smiling until they've reached his floor.]
All safe! Thanks to someone watching over us~♪
[It's out of the elevator and off to his room, now. He hovers by the door for a moment before unlocking with his keycard. So many times—he's unlocked this door so many times. He's been living in this room for so long, and with Jun for most of it. But all things come to an end.]
It's a bit messy, but there should be some space, anyway.
[And true to his word, they should be able to wheel the cart inside suite without much difficulty. With the cart, the sitting area is a bit cramped, and Hiyori's description of the suite as "messy" isn't inaccurate: lots of items lay strewn about the surfaces, many of them Hiyori's, but several of them Jun's. Jun's slippers, Jun's exercise equipment, Jun's sweatclothes and snacks: this was his suite as much as it was Hiyori's. The table has a dirty dish sitting on it, and the couch has some pillows and a bunched-up blanket. It looks like it's been slept on recently.]
no subject
Date: 11/17/25 02:24 (UTC)The other option is stealing from people in the Vale itself. He's pretty sure some idiots count chips or toss sparkly things around in the place. Being the only area within the resort with "natural" sunlight. Thoughts taking up the hero's mind as he traverses each floor. Hiyori's kept safe (relatively) and Bakugo gets a workout with each bounding blast hooking up to the floor above. If anything in the elevator thinks it's safe from a revenge-filled explosion because Hiyori and the statue are within the confines, they have no fucking clue how fast the hero's reaction speed and Quirk actually are. This is the guy who stole back credit cards, purses, wallets, and other belongings from the thieves he was simultaneously blowing up. Not a scratch on them.
It's not excessive! It's effective!
With a final 'ding' glowing through space, the elevator finishes its trek and Bakugo helps maneuver the cart and statue through golden doors and softly wheeling onto carpeted surface once more. Hiyori takes the lead and he follows like some weird hospital orderly making delivery through rich halls. Bakugo gives him his due outside the room, but makes sure the door's open wide enough he can safely pass the statue and cart through without dint or clunk. Like hell is he going to trip at the finish line.]
What the hell!? Didn't you learn how to clean up after yourself?! [Hiyori walks around perfectly coifed and sparkling, but he's living in a damn pig stye! He parks the statue (in cart) by the wall and steps away, scowling around the room with a disgusted curl on his lip.] Your fans would be appalled.
no subject
Date: 12/5/25 16:53 (UTC)He does, evidently, have his own complaints, though, about the state of Hiyori's room. Hiyori frowns a bit at that—he could shoot back that Bakugo's suite was in an even worse state when he saw it the other month, but that was destruction rather than slobbiness. And he also knows full well why it was in such a state, so he won't comment.]
I know how to clean! My dorm room at home was always in great shape, even though I shared with Rinne-senpai and Kanata-kun! But some of these things are Jun-kun's, so cleaning those up makes me feel a bit...
[He trails off, then shrugs.]
Anyway, I have to move some things to fit the statue, so first I'll do that. And then I suppose I should water the plants, too.
[He looks over at his sunflowers.
There are about six of them sitting on the table that separates the sitting area from the bed and bath. Three are incredibly tall, while three are dwarfs. But all of them are vibrant, somehow thriving indoors without any natural sunlight.
Or at least they were thriving. The three tall ones are starting to look a bit wilted, and almost... dejected? But as Hiyori turns and takes half a step towards them, something funny happens: they seem to perk up. The flowers move incrementally as though lifting their heads. Almost like they're sentient beings with souls!
Noticing this, Hiyori says:]
Actually, I'll do that first!
[And then he skips on over, the sunflowers perking up even more visibly as they "watch" him approach.]
no subject
Date: 12/6/25 01:56 (UTC)Tch. You can at least get them organized. [Without looking like a trade market exploded in the living room. Bakugo already notes whether Hiyori's got things in some organized state, keeping shirts and pants together while socks and drawers go alongside each other. He knows how hard it is to go through a lost one's possessions. Letting someone else without the attachment can help.
While Hiyori waters his plants and figures out where to put the statue, Bakugo begins straightening up the clutter. Jun's shirts folded and tiled down one row of the couch, his pants soon alongside in the same pattern. Efficiently and meticulously scraping across the area consolidating and cleaning without leaving any one piece out of Hiyori's sight.]
Oy, what the hell's with those flowers? [They're obviously alive, but they're moving like they're living noticing creatures!]
no subject
Date: 12/8/25 17:36 (UTC)Now, however, the despair is less potent. He's still lonely, seeing Jun's things, but he no longer feels hopeless. Jun isn't frozen in stone forever; he's elsewhere, somewhere outside the resort. Which means Hiyori can see him again, as long as he gets to where Jun is. It might be easier said than done, leaving the resort, but if he follows in Jun's footsteps, then...
Well, anyway. First thing's first. He should be able to clean up the suite now that he's no longer consumed by despair. But he prioritizes the flowers: those are living things (very living, as Bakugo is soon to find out), and he feels bad for neglecting them these past few days. Time to water the plants!
By which he means the dwarf sunflowers. The other, taller ones require a different kind of watering. He takes care of the dwarfs first, which only makes the tall sunflowers even antsier, something Bakugo notices from his end of the room. Hiyori turns around and says:]
You mean these? I guess this is your first meeting.
[He brushes his fingers against one tall sunflower's petals. Subtly, the sunflower bends its stalk and seems to bow its head, almost, as though leaning ever-so-slightly into the touch. Is it cute, or just creepy? Hiyori seems to find it cute, anyway, and looks at the plant fondly, and maybe a tad apologetically. He's sorry he neglected it even for a day.
It also didn't escape his notice that Bakugo has started to clean up. All that griping, but he still took it upon himself to help out even though Hiyori never asked. He's a good boy, as usual, and Hiyori's eyes crinkle fondly at the corners as he looks back at him. As always, he's grateful, whether he says so or not.]
All six of these were gifts, but the tall ones are special. They were developed by a person we both know, and they don't need sunlight as long as they get one thing from me. Rather than explain, it might be faster to just show you, so why don't you stop cleaning and watch? All attention on me, please! ♪
[He's addressing Bakugo, but also the sunflowers. They seem to be waiting, hanging on his next words... as strange as that probably still seems.]
no subject
Date: 12/9/25 04:04 (UTC)Unaware of Hiyori's mental planning, Bakugo focuses on straightening up his friend's scattered assortment. Ultimately the decision to pack and store Jun's belongings lies on the idol, but he'll have an easier time of it than staring at everything splayed all over and not knowing where to start. Not the first time Bakugo's angrily cleaned up someone's living space because he didn't want to sit around in their mess.
Those were the plans, at least until Hiyori starts dealing with moving flowers. He narrows his eyes in suspicion; nothing in this resort which moves outside of people and expected machines is trustworthy. Almost always hiding some stupid crap to shove people into perverted designs.]
I've never been in your apartment before!
[Of course it's the first time! And why the hell is Hiyori talking like the flowers are sentient, or at least sapient. They're not like his birds. Unless they are... which is creepy as fuck. Like hell is it cute! Watching the flower bend stalk and nuzzle head makes his upper lip curl in distrust. A living plant. Where's the jagged teeth and blood-sucking lips? Bakugo finishes folding the last of Jun's shirts and finishes tiling them on the couch.]
You better not be sticking your bleeding finger or dick in there.
[Look, if Esikko's the one who made those flowers... His own flowers run on blood, dammit! And they're made in the resort, so what the hell's he supposed to think? Unless Hiyori's gonna do something stupid like sparkle for their dinner.]
no subject
Date: 12/9/25 16:39 (UTC)[It checks out. He received the flowers as a Christmas gift from Esikko, and Christmas is 10 months in the past at this point. It just seems absurd that Bakugo has never visited his suite, given that Hiyori has been to Bakugo's several times, and they've been friends for a while (in Hiyori's mind, anyway. He knows Bakugo is allergic to that particular f-word.)
It feels like a missed opportunity. Now isn't the best time to play host, but he wants to try to make up for some of that lost time! ... or at least he does until Bakugo says that horribly crude thing at the end. That causes him to scrunch his face up, predictably enough, and he shoots back:]
Hey! [A sharp glare is sent Bakugo's way.] That was so not funny! I'm grateful for your help with Jun-kun, but I'll thank you not to say nasty things about me, or my sunflowers!
[They're like pets to him! Cherished pets, sort of like his birds. Even when he and Esikko were feuding, he still took care of them dutifully. But what does taking care of them entail, when they don't grow from water and sunlight the way a normal plant does?
Bakugo's about to find out! If Hiyori doesn't get fed up and throw him out of his suite first, that is. But for now he hasn't. Instead, he somewhat aggressively tells him:]
Just have a seat! There's leftover food in the mini fridge, and there are leftover cookies if you want some! [(Though the food might be about to go bad and the cookies may be a bit stale, since he hasn't exactly been eating properly since Jun disappeared, either.)] But if you're not hungry, just sit back and listen!
[And then, with a final huff, he turns to his sunflowers. There are a few moments' pause, Hiyori giving himself time to cool down, before he begins to sing.]
...♪~♪~♪
[Softly he begins, his voice gaining volume as he goes on. Why Sunlit Smile? Because he felt like it: these are sunflowers, he's in a better enough mood to sing a cheerful song, and the thought of singing one of his and Jun's songs no longer breaks his heart. Why is he singing, period? Because that's what the flowers need for nourishment, as told by Esikko when he gifted them. And true to the prince's word, the flowers respond to their concert: the heads perk up, and they stand tall at attention, the arc of their stems bending towards Hiyori as though drawn to the sun itself.]
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Date: 12/10/25 03:17 (UTC)His expression drops flat. Typical idol response. Hands up and skirts lifted to ward off any crude commentary. It'd be amusing if it weren't so pathetic... Okay, it's kind of amusing. Bakugo could've held his tongue. What was he supposed to think with Hiyori talking like that and dropping his hands lower?]
Gonna tell me or not? [Hiyori isn't watering them with water. There's no real sunlight. Magic's beyond the idol, unless he's gonna shine on them. Plant food? No bag's appeared. Options run out in his mind and he folds his arms over his chest. Waiting.]
Huh? [What kind of rich boy host would serve someone leftovers?! ... A stuck up spoiled one with an attitude problem. Hiyori does it out of naive kindness at least. Bakugo passes on the food for now, more interested in what's going on with these mutated blooms. He'll look in the guy's fridge later and chide him on his contents.
Wait-
Listen?
... OH FUCKING HELL!! No-!
He wrenches his face up in disgust and shock. They feed on music and song?! Ugh. Shoulders drop and his expression sinks back to a wry expectancy, lips together and head canted just to the side. Should've figured it'd be something related to music and not to dicks. This is Hiyori. Wouldn't put it past him to "water" his plants with love between him and Jun.
At least the song's good.]
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Date: 12/11/25 14:06 (UTC)If Esikko had given him a plant he has to water with his ***, he would've returned it to the sender with some choice words. Fortunately he didn't, and as Bakugo watches and listens, the true source of their nourishment is revealed: not sun or water, but song. And it makes sense, doesn't it? It's fitting, isn't it? This is what Hiyori Tomoe has always wanted, how he wishes the world actually worked: for everyone to need only his songs to thrive. For his singing to bring light and love to everyone.
Esikko can't do that for him; can't rewrite the laws of the universe. But it seems to be working on the flowers. Even without voices to cheer with, the flowers make their enjoyment known: their heads facing him, petals bobbing along to the music. They're normally not this responsive (and therefore a bit less creepy), but after several days of no song, they craved Hiyori's singing like a child deprived of love. It's sweet, if also a little sad. It's one more thing he'll have to make arrangements for if he does go through with his idea. But for now...
For now, he sings his heart out and that's enough.
He finishes the final chorus, then the outro—]
Be bold, like the sun itself! ♪
[—and even dances a bit, ending his song by pointing at the flowers.
If they could applaud him, they probably would! But thankfully for Bakugo, they don't do anything that creepy, and instead just wait for an encore. Hiyori turns around to get another look at Bakugo, a satisfied (and sunny) smile on his lips.]
See? Aren't they so cute? ♪ They love music, and they love my voice!
no subject
Date: 12/17/25 03:49 (UTC)Singing for his plants is both extremely ridiculous and fitting as fuck for Hiyori. Doesn't have to bother watering or feeding them, no traditional botanical care, just open his damn mouth and do what he normally does while wandering around his kitchen. Che, like a damn Western cartoon. The Disney kind. Bakugo only gives a minute of his patience before he's heading back to the living area and continuing his work on sorting Jun's things into manageable sections.
Thank fuck Hiyori isn't a grating shitty singer. He only shoots a scowl once when the idol belts out a particularly long and loud note, but doesn't bark at him. For once. Tempted to bean this book off his head though...
The idol ends his song with a dancing step and flower point; Bakugo finishes his latest organization with a quick thud of one book atop the other, free hand straightening the spines into alignment.
Better not be an encore...]
Why wouldn't they? They were made for you. [Esikko's a lot of annoying things, but ineffective in plant-based magic isn't one of them.] Don't let them wilt like that again, Parrot.
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Date: 12/18/25 16:47 (UTC)The flowers would have been very disappointed if Hiyori's concert had been cut short by a book to the head, but thankfully that does not happen and Bakugo listens respectfully. Mostly. Hiyori doesn't notice the scowl, not that it would have mattered. Now that he's gotten his voice back, in a matter of speaking, nothing and no one could stop him from singing to these sunflowers.
(Nothing, of course, except exiting the resort to go chase Jun-kun and leaving only a statue behind.)
The song ends, he turns to face Bakugo again, and his eyes soften at the other boy's response. The flowers were made for him, he says, simple and straightforward. And then: "don't let them wilt like that again." Strict and direct but not unkind. A funny mix of feelings swirl through him: determination and happiness, gratitude and guilt. He wants to say he'll never leave them, that he'll always take care of them. But after the idea he had... after that, how much longer does he have?
He agrees with the spirit of the question, though, and so he nods once, decisive.]
Mm! I'll keep tending to them every day. Until either my lungs collapse or the sky does, I'll sing my very heart out...♪
[He looks at the flowers again: fond, a little sad, but his gaze is reassuring. As though trying to signal to them that the sky won't fall. No matter what, he'll keep singing, whether at home or at the resort. And he also knows at least one person who'd be a good candidate to sing to them in his absence. But as for right now...]
In fact, it looks like they want an encore, so I ought to do that next!
[Sorry, Bakugo.]
And it seems like it ought to be something bubbly and cheery to keep the trend going, so I know just the thing! I'll go grab my phone, though, since that has the instrumental track I need. And then I'll hook that up to the Goldtooth speaker, and we should be good to go!
[Yes, he bought a Bluetooth speaker. But it was sold at the Golden Peacock, so it was called Goldtooth! He abandons his post in front of the flowers and skips off to the adjacent bedroom, leaving Bakugo to shelve the books however he wants. God help him.
(As for what kind of books the suite has: a weird assortment of stuff. Mystery novels, myths, books about magic and other world customs. And action-y comics that were probably Jun's.)]
no subject
Date: 12/28/25 00:45 (UTC)Giving someone long-term orders is a foolish expectation in the Golden Peacock. None of them have any idea how long they have left on any given day. Jun's statue is proof enough. Yet heroes are always making foolish promises, holding themselves to impossible expectations, saying idyllic things in reality's face. Why? Because how else are they to move forward if they only ever settle for what's immediately in front of them? Even as the bridge supports snap and muscles scream, a strong hand holds on and a smiling face blazes down at the crying civilian holding on for dear life: It'll be alright!
Bakugo makes those promises and gives those orders to people he cares about. Because as long as they're here, he won't abandon any of them to what if's and maybe's. Doing anything less is a pathetic hero.]
Does it have to be your physical voice? Or would a recording work? [He quickly clarifies before Hiyori can get huffy and mad at him.] In case you get a fucking cold or this shithole wrecks your throat.
[At least he didn't mention Hiyori going down on someone so hard his throat gets wrecked. He may or may not be preparing for what he suspects might be happening.]
OY! At least clean something up while you do it!
[He's not putting Hiyori's living space up for his own damn health! They're trying to make some room for Jun and help Hiyori process some of his grief! He gapes incredulously as the idol flounces off to his room. Seriously!? When the hell did this become a fucking concert with an audience of one?! ... Flowers not counted.
At least Hiyori has some quality books without the smut.]
no subject
Date: 12/29/25 16:34 (UTC)Bakugo's question gives him some pause, since he'd never really considered it. Bakugo clarifies that he's talking about "in case he gets a cold," and not for other reasons, like suspecting he's about to become a statue on purpose. Still, they both know a cold isn't the only thing that might hinder his singing. Even if he did decide to stick around, he could still disappear at any time. Just like Jun did, and just like so many of their other friends did.]
I'm normally not the type who catches colds! [He can't help but chime.] But I suppose there's no reason to think a recording wouldn't work. And I do have lots of those on my phone, since my smartphone has all our music.
[In other words:]
We'll just have to test it!
[All the more reason to skip to the other room and grab his smartphone, which is what Hiyori does next, despite Bakugo's complaints. When he suggests cleaning at the same time as singing:]
You mean like when we all sang "Cleanup Time" as kids? [A carefree shrug as he re-enters the sitting area, paired with a bright smile.] Sure, that sounds fun! But if you want to go that route, you'll have to sing along, too. I'm sure they'll also appreciate your voice, since you know how to project it loudly. So, let's both sing! ♪ Unless you'd rather test the recordings first. Which will it be?
[He waggles his phone after pitching that question. And no, he still hasn't made a move to clean anything up yet.]
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Date: 12/30/25 21:11 (UTC)Hiyori pauses and Bakugo frowns his way. Did he never think of what might happen if he lost his voice or couldn't sing? Fuck, people take pains to water their plants when they aren't gonna be home for a while, either hiring someone to come by or using contraptions. Mattaku, this guy's so clueless sometimes.]
You want me to list other reasons? [Snapped right back in knowing threat. Don't brag like an ignorant! You know what he was implying with his question, Parrot! He turns back to his previous work, content Hiyori believes a recording will be as effective. Good to know. But if the guy does leave, will his phone remain behind? Since it was "brought" here to this world. A duplicate at least. Likely, since the resort copies so much shit from people's worlds.]
Go for it. [Muttered dismissively through his teeth. Bastard used the excuse to skip out on his section, dammit! Bakugo's only doing the table and the rest is left for Hiyori to finish!]
Haa?! Preschoolers sang that! [He barely remembers the lyrics! Good thing too! Papers stack neatly on end before dropping to the table with a breathy slap. Wait- what?]
Oy! They're your flowers feeding on your voice! I'm not singing shit for them! [As if Hiyori expected anything less than RAWR over such a request.] Check the recording first. That's more important.