Inbox

[myriadeclipse]

Hugo Inbox

Home of Mockingbird and the voice in his head

Mockingbird

Please forgive me for missing your message. I'll be right with you.

The Other Me

He isn't that sorry.

Mockingbird

code

{Text; Video; Audio; Action}

Comments

direct text; shortly after the Zodiac post

[blossominghopes]

Heeeeeey, Hugo, I've got a question for you~

[ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ]

[myriadeclipse]

Yes, my dear?

Go on.

Action;

[paraselenic]

[continuing from here.]

[It's actually a little pathetic how quickly Lycaon prepared himself to go out into the city. He was never one to rush--even under pressure he always seemed to have paced things perfectly. But this...well. He's glad he's the only witness to it.

Much like Hugo said, his scent wasn't so much masked as it was...just different. He can't describe it entirely. Thankfully, Hugo didn't stand him up, though he doubts the man would with his pride.

Either way, he finds Hugo at the park, eyes casting upon that bench where he's resting. There's something clenched in his hands. A bag.

And...seeing Hugo really does just make all the words leave his throat entirely. Except one.]

Hugo.

[myriadeclipse]

[ By the time Lycaon shows up, Hugo has his head in his hand, covering his face as a coin rolled over his fingers slowly. He could hear the footsteps coming up before he saw him. It was different from the usual footfalls, a reminder he didn't need of what occurred in the past.

With the call of his name, he pushes himself up to his feet, taking the coin and pushing it in his pocket. ]

Lycaon.

[ He turns to face him, looking up his full height--and then back to the bag. Please don't be what he thinks it is. ]

text, un: mallemok

[mauks]

[ after witnessing the... lovers spat on the network Mollymauk decides a direct dm is for the best. more than enough has been aired out publicly today. ]

arent you a sight for sore eyes
it feels like years since ive seen that handsome face

[myriadeclipse]

[ He is so grateful for the digression. At least SOMEONE has it. ]

Molly, it's felt like forever. And you're still ever the charmer, my dear.
Are you also in this city? It's starting to feel like everyone is.

Post-Jumanji; text

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon has found out that he does not think he likes family game nights. Between the residents of Random Play suffering mental trauma of varying degrees to his own 'casualty', he can safely say he does not want to play a board game for a long time. If ever! And he wasn't even playing!

But considering the circumstances, he'll finally make that text he's been wanting to write.]

I know you have questions and I will explain myself.

But please, tell me you are all right.

[He is, for the most part, but..]

[myriadeclipse]

What do you mean? What happened?

[ Yeah, he had a lot of questions, but that order of importance was strange. ]

text: un: Mr. Cold Feet

[anyprice]

[ okay he's procrastinated on this long enough, he's rolled around and tried to pretend it wasnt gonna happen but hugo's here and he sees him on the app and there's no avoiding it JUST get it over with just say hi Mockingbird isnt evil it cant hurt you ]

Haha, heeeyyyyyy friend, look at you! On our lovely little app and everything--! Isn't that just--well. You know. It's nice having your pals in one place, and all of that.

Lovely little trinket you sent me today! Please tell me it was in good will and you didn't just fast-send me a curse to my nice new house.
I haven't had a house in years you know. I'd be pret-ty upset if you cursed my first and only good one.

[myriadeclipse]

You put down roots here? An extravagant estate with a husband and pets. You’ve become downright domestic, Mr. Cold Feet. I’m happy to hear about your growth and emotional fulfillment.

I’m hurt you would look at my gift with such hostility. I come to this new city and give my old friend a token of my appreciation and you question it to my face. I thought we had something special. You break my heart, Sampo.

text; un: belleoftheboulevard | after jumanji

[greatlydares]

so a quick question: everyone I would usually ask to check on the store is
well, not in a good state to get out of bed right now. Except Lycaon, and I feel bad for dragging him into this mess already.

Can you go check and see if everything's all right? It got magically restored after a bus crashed into it and blew up, but I'm worried the magic might have missed some things and I'd need to track it down.

I know this is a pretty huge favor to ask out of nowhere. I can offer a free VIP membership as compensation? (In all seriousness, though: I honestly don't know what all I can offer you in return, unless you remember New Eridu as well.)

[myriadeclipse]

Send me a pdf of your inventory if you have it. I have some free time, so I don’t mind helping you out. I’m sure Lycaon would love to say he’s capable, but from what I’ve heard, he certainly is not.

I remember New Eridu. Those sweet dreams are the only time I get to see Vivian again.

In closing, yes, I’ll go look after the store and go through the tapes.

text, un: mallemok | post Lycaon spilling the beans

[mauks]

your secret is out by the way ;)

[ is he all but throwing Lycaon under the bus? yes. but he is Hugo's man first and frankly he has to make a spectacle out of this. ]

after all these long years we have been together
and you didt once think to tell me
im hurt hugo you wound me so

[myriadeclipse]

You are not as hurt as he is going to be when I catch him.

What did he say? I swear, for a former thief, he is the worst liar I have ever known.

Text | UN: HelplesslyWeak

[life_ethereal]

[Harumasa's fortunately under no illusions that this is anything but a casual dinner. Plus, it's not like he's going alone. Apollo can be trusted to get him out of it in the event he's severely misread the situation, but he's fairly certain he hasn't. Harumasa's pretty sure this is just an excuse to sit and talk about some things Hugo thinks are important.

That being said, he still dresses nicely. Might as well, right?

Anyway, now that he's aboveground again, Harumasa will send a text to Hugo.]

Silly me, I forgot to ask where to meet the chauffeur! Totally my fault, I'm sorry.

[myriadeclipse]

A foolish thing to say, as I was the one who offered it. Forgive me for not sending you notice. You know how I love surprises.

It should be approaching your location. I'm not sure of your tastes, so it might be a bit extravagant.

[ It doesn't take much more time before a limousine was driving up and stopping not far from Harumasa. It would seem, in lieu of just calling an Uber, he went for something legit! The black, shiny car's driver came out, rounding the front to take the handle in hand and pull the door open with a bow. ]

It will bring you here. I've taken care of everything.
Just don't ruin your dinner with the bar.

[ The inside of the car was what one would expect from the outside. Plush interior seats with ample leg room, a small table to hold things, and drink bars on each side for those long drives. Why Hugo would go with something like this? Because he could. Even if it was a casual meeting, why skimp when you can still offer a rich experience? ]

Text; un: lycaon

[paraselenic]

[...]

You do not need me to tell you this, but I hope you go to him.

[If he hasn't already left. He saw that interaction--a sharp pang of both familiarity and empathy fills him. He remembers having such a similar reaction.]

It may be callous of me, to leave him be him like this. But I am not what's needed now.

[He needs to see just what sort of man would get this reaction out of Molly.]

[myriadeclipse]

Why? Because of what happened between us?
If you

[ There is a pause in typing that starts again after a few dozen seconds. ]

I'm not good at this, Lycaon.
I can't do for him what I won't even grant myself.

un: petaltothemetal; text; over the duration of Hugo's trip to Cabo

[blossominghopes]

[While Hugo's off on his trip, he's getting a series of texts from Lia-- all carefully spaced out.

It is predominantly various... interesting foods encountered at the fair. Such things include: tater tots topped with sausage gravy, crumbled bacon, and a fried egg ("I'm mostly sending you the photo because this was really good actually"); "Five Alarm Fried Fudge" ("no, I did not get this, I'm pretty sure this is a crime"); a potato that's been partially hollowed out, stuffed with sausage, and wrapped with bacon; funnel cake that had been colored black with food coloring, topped with marshmallow fluff and pop rocks; and an alarmingly large grilled cheese sandwich. It actually looks like it should be two sandwiches. This is not accounting for the no less than eight mozzarella sticks that are in there. What the fuck.

Although, after the series of photos, Lia does eventually send a text that's completely lacking in any sort of photo--]

Message me when you're back in town? I want to hang out when you've returned.

[myriadeclipse]

[ In return, Lia gets pictures of various things Hugo is seeing. Beaches, streets, and a villa that looks like it's for tourists, complete with Instagrammable views. Another pic is eventually taken of an even bigger place that screams money (with a message vaguely hinting toward it being the reason for the trip). Then the pictures are of souvenir, food, the normal vacation things. ]

I knew that fair would be filled with crimes.
I will. My 'friends' were very giving. Very little trouble.
If only everywhere has such hospitality.

08/20; Action, 12:01AM

[paraselenic]

[In hindsight, Lycaon was rather fortunate that Hugo had a business trip to Cabo. It left him to his own devices, and he didn't have to shake the rust off his stealth skills to sneak around the man who surpassed him in it. Preparations were complete and all he had to do was place it.

He was always a stickler for time, so he leaves the gift on the nightstand for him to find at 12:01am, just as planned.

It's not very big, some purple tull wrapped around a plastic bag filled with candied orange slices dipped in dark chocolate, wrapped as usual in his blue ribbon with the crescent moon. Looped around the ribbon is an antique dog whistle. A joke, if anything...but it does still work, for the record (personally tested).

The card next to it is in a rather plain looking envelope. Don't get him wrong, it's well made, but nothing out of the ordinary other than fine paper, maybe some trim. Opening it has a standard birthday card that is very...Lycaon. And slightly heavier than your standard cardstock, if anything. Opening it, the inside is simple:]

Happy Birthday. Lycaon.

[but...one side of the card is thicker? If the crease of the card is folded back, a small slit in the card is shown with something slipped inside. Pulling it out it's...



An envelope, with Mockingbird's logo done quickly in ink pen, with the ink darker at the tips of the wings, not unlike a certain dog's ears. The envelope isn't sealed, merely tucked in and easy to lift, and inside are a bunch of slightly warped papers that smell of...citrus? Residue from the oranges, a normal person might think. But to anyone skilled in the field of trickery...orange juice can be used as invisible ink. When put over a lamp... (Author's note: highlight to read):]

Hugo,

You always told me that your birth was nothing to celebrate. It's one of the things we will never fully agree on. If it weren't for this day, you would have not met Jack. ...Or me. No one else could be so many parts of my life, for good or ill.

You were my friend, my family, my rival, my enemy. And now...something new entirely. Something I can't define in just a word, and yet saying too many feels wrong as well. I'm sure I'll think of something for this one day.

Alas, I have gone on long enough. I suppose what I mean to say is...

A life without you in it would be a dull one.

Happy Birthday.

-Lycaon 🌙

P.S. Your moon phase this year is a Waning Crescent. In simple terms, it symbolizes a time to recuperate after a time of harvest. Rest your wings, Mockingbird.

[But that's not all! There's a small note behind THAT, written in standard ink:]

It feels quite nostalgic to use this trick. I remember when we would leave these for each other to find in that old house. They were such childish messages too...I'm embarrassed to recall them. Oh, and I do hope you'll forgive me this once for imitating the calling card. I made sure it bears no resemblance to the real thing.

[Of course, Lycaon's far too embarrassed to stick around for that to be found. He'll be upstairs leaning against the frame of the bay window as he looks at the moon.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ Lycaon was not there to see how Hugo stopped in the doorway, squinting at the present, left alone in the immaculately kept room. It popped against the stark uniformity of the room, helping draw attention to it. Robin had only been back for a few hours and waddled up to stop behind Hugo's legs, staring in at the present.

It takes him longer to enter the room and stop before the present, looking down at it and then looking around the room to see the perpetrator had escaped the scene. He took his time, sitting down on the bed and carefully pulling the tull away from the bag. The oranges were peered at, turning the bag in his hand to see how the salt crystals caught the light and the sugar-coating of the oranges glimmered.

The bag was held out for Robin to take while Hugo turned his attention to the card.

It was already exhausting that he went this far, Hugo thought, but turning the card over in his hand to see the difference in the thickness took his mind away from that. He set his mind to dismantling the puzzle. The first part of the card was handed off to Robin as he pulled the calling card free, turning it over in his hand and stopping to look at the bird on the front.

Hugo was unsure how long he sat there staring at the blackened tips of the bird. Foolish mutt. His other hand was holding the dog whistle, running his fingers over the silver. Not even his fidgeting could distract from the way the effort someone who threw this moniker away long ago picked it back up so easily.

It had been almost ten minutes of looking at a penned bird before the scent of citrus told him there was more there. Breaking out of his trance, he held the card up toward the bedside lamp, tilting his head as his eyes scanned over the words. Only the last of the hidden message was read out loud for Robin to hear, Hugo letting every little note absorb into his memory.

A few more minutes pass, looking over each penned note. With a heavy breath, he finally gets up to his feet, taking the calling card with him and telling Robin to remain downstairs. It was time to finally find Lycaon. His birthday had barely begun, and yet he was being saddled with unnecessary feelings.

Hugo was perfectly capable of climbing the stairs without making a sound, but he doesn't. He allows his weight against the wood to herald his arrival, if only to prepare Lycaon that he was seeing him out. As long as he didn't jump out of the window, he should BE upstairs, right? He reaches the top, looking around, and let out a light breath when he saw the man he was hoping for. ]

Between you and the skeleton, I don't know why I thought this would be a quiet day.

08/20 un: mallemok, text.

[mauks]

i got you something
something small outside of the promise i made you

so you've got a couple of choices here
either come by may place so i can give it to you
allow me to come to you
or wait until it's party time to receive it in full view of lycaon and lia

[myriadeclipse]

Is it necessary to threaten me when you know very well I'll come over when you ask?

Give me time and I'll be right there.

un: petaltothemetal; text

[blossominghopes]

[Incoming: One (1) photo of a Bangboo sitting on Lia's office chair in her room at Meropide.]

I have a new friend!

[myriadeclipse]

So you also have a bangboo. It's so odd to see them becoming as plentiful as they used to be in my past life.

I have two myself.

Early September, after zodiac post | text: un: Mr. Cold Feet

[anyprice]

[ he did promise Hugo a drink. maybe he didn't reach out RIGHT away once things had settled--but that wasn't entirely his fault--he got distracted with a few things, up and to including his Situationship suddenly having a brother who he'd have to house and take care of for now and into the future.

But he'd expected Hugo to stick to his word; and disappear out of Kaisou after a week or three, and then he'd be scot-free from the promised drink simply due to his own conflicting schedule and the vampire needing to beat feet out of the city.

And yet, as he checks his phone--and the list of App users--this morning after the so-friendly monthly greeting, here he is. Still on the app. People who left the city never stayed on it, so this...

Well.

Sampo sighs. No putting off anymore--it seems plans may have changed. And instead of wistfully pretending that he forgot his promise, he'll just deliver it late. ]

Life sure has its ways of going up and down like a rocky rollercoaster, eh? Stuff's been cra-aaa-zy lately, here I thought you'd have skipped outta town by now! But to my surprise, Hiiiiii! You're still here!

Is today a good day to go out for those drinks?

They're still on me, just as promised! ⭐ I won't even get offended if you get top shelf, too. That's how sorry I am for taking this long.

[myriadeclipse]

I did leave town. I merely returned after I was finished.

[ Nothing this clown said felt genuine at any time, and yet Hugo was just going to sigh and shrug off that feeling. Have to keep the performance going. ]

Where would you like to go for this?

For the record, I was fairly sure you weren't going to bother getting back in touch. The fact you are here again is a surprise in and of itself.

text; un: lycaon

[paraselenic]

[Hugo is likely either still at work or doing whatever it is little bats do. And Lycaon has gone through the gauntlet run of mixology trials.

But the dust has settled, even if his body is in shock right down to the veins.]

Would you like to get dinner tonight? My treat.

[Not that he didn't have funds to splurge before, but. This is something noteworthy.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ They sit on rooftops and contemplate what would happen if they jumped. It's fun creative writing exercises and all that. ]

You're inviting me out, and we aren't even fighting?

Who did you kill?

un: petaltothemetal; text

[blossominghopes]

[The text starts simply enough, with only a photo: a slip of paper with an address, with a key taped to it.]

So. A moogle dropped this off with me (and a couple other items) with no explanations beyond my name definitely being the intended recipient.

My common sense is saying "toss it out and forget you ever received it", but it's definitely not winning out against my curiosity. Would you mind accompanying me when I go check this out? Strength in numbers and all, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[myriadeclipse]

Where should we meet up? Truly, sometimes this city forgets that randomly handing things to a young woman is extremely suspicious.

[ Clearly he didn't want to go directly to the address, but he was already gathering his things and heading out the door to its approximate location. ]

Audio; End Sept; Before Network Post

[paraselenic]

[It's evening, and Lycaon has only just left the POKEGO headquarters hitting the sidewalk as he makes his way back to his house. His footsteps can be heard over the feed as he clicks it on to speakerphone.]

Hugo. I'm just calling to let you know I've returned from my excursion to Kanto.

There's something I found there that you should know about. And...someone I wish you to meet. Are you free?

[myriadeclipse]

No.... But I can be.

[ Where ever he was, there was the sound of running and heavy breathing in the background, along with colorful curses and commentary about someone(s) trying to locate where that bastard went. ]

Just a moment.

[ The phone is clicked on mute and slid away for a few minutes. When he unmutes, it's with the rush of air and a silent background. ]

There we are. Now, I am free. Shall I head back and meet you there?

delivery; 10/06

[greatlydares]

[One fine day, Eous can be found outside Hugo's art gallery, looking a touch put out. It gives Hugo the best stink-eye it can muster, which is pretty funny when it's dressed just like Velma from Scooby Doo, complete with glasses that have been taped on. Then it hands over the package it's holding and marches off, looking distinctly peeved.

Inside the package is a sweater with a fuzzy bat wearing a Christmas hat on it. There's also a book sitting underneath the sweater and a set of three teacups that Belle clearly bought at an antique store: one with purple flowers, one that's been patched together with gold, and another with a famous painting on it.

There's a note that accompanies the package, tucked under the book's cover:]

Hugo,

Lycaon told me it was your birthday on August 20 and I missed it, so this is me making up for missing it! Next time tell me so I have time to put something together, jeez. Anyway: happy (very) late birthday! I'm glad that we met in both lives, and in this one, in a way less stressful way for the both of us.

Come hang out any time!

Belle

PS. Don't mind Eous, they're just peeved you didn't tell us. They'll get over it.

mail delivery in return!!

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo was quick to go out to Eous when he spotted the little one. Taking the burdensome package from the bangboo, he could only watch it leave in curiosity. He couldn't imagine why it was so mad. He can't think of anything horrific he's done lately. It's been lifetimes since he's courted The Managers with knives. Shouldn't that win him something?

What he finds in the box was not what he expected. The box was carried back to his office, opening it in privacy so everyone visiting the gallery wouldn't have to witness whatever was inside and his reactions to them.

With each item, he takes them out and inspects them closely. The Sweater makes him smile, shaking his head. In normal situations, he couldn't imagine wearing something like this, but maybe wearing it to movie club in December would be the perfect time for it? The book and the cups were held for far longer than he would ever admit to another living soul, especially holding the kintsugi'd one close to his chest for a quiet moment.

The cup was abandoned for the note, taking it up and looking over the words. Lycaon continues his conquest of treachery, he sees. It had escaped his notice that he never informed The Manager of when his birthday was. In reality, he was grateful that Lycaon picked up that slack if it was truly something she wanted to know.

However, Lycaon can never receive gratitude. He was annoying without something like that making his ego bigger. He will just have to meet it with an air of betrayal and threats of retaliation, but enough of those thoughts.

Hugo turned in the middle of his office, thinking to himself. He'll have to find a way to make it up to Eous. He's never seen the little thing so bothered. Of course, he would also have to thank Belle for her thoughtfulness in a physical, meaningful way.

Until then, he'll have to settle for a message delivered by Robin to Random Play (He's so sorry Bunbastion. At least Butler is around and you're free now).]

It escaped my notice that I forgot to inform you.
My sincerest apologies to both you and Eous.
Once October is over, I will have to see about repaying your kindness.
Until then, please take my words as my gratitude toward the gifts.

Wishing for your safety and wellness until then.

- 🦇

text, un: mallemok | 08/10

[mauks]

[ it's late when Molly texts, really late, but he can't sleep and he has to make it Hugo's problem. ]

oh sweet cassanova of my dreams
you awake?

[myriadeclipse]

Always.

[ Maybe a little more than usual, but he's fine. It's fine. ]

What can I do for you, Handsome?

voice, un: mallemok / during the event.

[mauks]

[ the first day was tough. he spent it pacing circles in Lycaon's living room upon discovering not only had he misplaced Hugo but Lycaon was also seemingly absent as well. reason said he should go back to Caleb's, should check in on Zevran, make sure the world hasn't turned topsy turvy on him but he can't... the thought of losing them kept him rooted to the spot. if he stayed maybe they'd turn up quicker, maybe this was some sort of terrible joke or bad dream and everything will be okay in the end. so Mollymauk stayed put and waited.

day two was terrible. what little sleep Mollymauk managed to get was broken up by terrible dreams and memories of a former life. dreams that almost always ended in a blade piercing his chest. so sleep was quickly taken off the table. instead, he checked the app almost obsessively trying to see if anyone else had noticed people just up and disappearing but he came up empty. that was when Molly decided to raid the freezer, twenty four hours of unintentional fasting finally catching up to him. the supply was gone before the clock struck six pm.

day three was when he finally cracked, curled up in a fetal position on the couch with a blanket draped over him. Molly wasn't the one to grab, he didn't remember it being placed over him. he was far too focused on the phone in his hands and the finger hovering over Hugo's number. there won't be an answer, Molly knows that, but he hits call anyway. ]

I get how it feels now. [ voice muffled by the blanket, by his position, but he talks regardless. ] Horrible feeling, really. Can't say I like it. Worse knowing that Snowdrop's gone MIA as well, you know? Means it's not karma finally swinging around to hit me in the ass, means something's really happened to you both and you've slipped through my fingers.

[ Molly laughs, the sound bitter and exhausted. ]

Last time that happened I died. Can't remember if I told you about that, haven't slept well the last couple of days. Past life bullshit but it keeps playing over and over in my head. Makes a guy feel powerless.

[ the sound of shuffling takes over for the next few seconds. he had to adjust, make sure his horns aren't cutting into the cushions on Lycaon's nice couch. he really needs to get himself new horn caps, some nice ones. ]

Lia's been sending me pictures from her camping trip in Hyrule. Decided not to mention the whole "Hugo and Lycaon have been missing for the past three days" thing, figured it'd ruin the fun she's having out there. You're probably gonna come back a bunch of messages as well, so be ready for that.

I'll take care of the bamboo while you're gone, but you better be back soon. We've got a show to watch and you've got a birthday to scheme for. You can't let me get off scott free for what I put you through in August.

[ end call. ]

after speaking w/ lycaon post horrors. text; un: fuego

[fuegor]

[True to his word, Lighter said he would reach out to Hugo as well. It was easier to text, likely for both of them. He didn't know how much energy he had left to hide the guilt he felt verbally.

He opted for his old stomping grounds within Ghost City to send the message. Not out of lack of consideration by any means. If anything, smoking within a shady alley alight with red lanterns was the best way to check on the guy. It meant Lighter's every word and move wasn't painted with anxiety like Meropide did to him at times.]

Hey, how're you doing?

I already know what happened, so you don't need to go over it.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo's current state was far less aesthetic. He was wrapped up in a blanket, sitting on Lycaon's couch while mostly staring into space. The Bangboo had finished fussing over him, and his new Lycanroc was curled up at his feet to keep him in place. ]

Lycaon must have spoken to you, then.

I'm fine. I apologize if anything that happened worried you or put you in an unwanted state.

10/27; technically both action and direct text

[blossominghopes]

[Lia... is definitely getting the sense she missed something, while she was on that camping trip in Hyrule. This leaves her feeling... uneasy.

It's this sense of unease that prompts her to leave Meropide again, this time to go swing by Lycaon's place to visit Hugo.

For... some godforsaken reason, she hesitates a bit before knocking on the door. After a few moments, she pulls out her phone to send a text for good measure.]

I'm the one knocking on the door, for the record. I can teleport in if that'd be preferable? (This is kind of half joking.)

[myriadeclipse]

[ There is a howl from inside, followed by Hugo's voice telling the howler to calm down. A few more moments pass as he opens the door, standing to one side. He looks no different from when she saw him last, barring a more casual look, since he is stuck at home for the time being. ]

It's fine. No need to teleport. Irene is not used to company yet. She will learn. Please, come in.

[ Lycaon's place is exceedingly nice, like one would see in a magazine. You could really get a feel for the fact the man liked to use black and white for most things. ]

10/31; Text; un:lycaon

[paraselenic]

[And so...another Halloween came and went. A rather uneventful one, at that. Don't get Lycaon wrong, he's not complaining considering what they all went through a few weeks ago, but it's surprising how normal a simple Halloween party thrown by the people of Meropide can look in comparison.

Lycaon had done himself the favour of stepping back on helping with the preparations. With it being so short notice and his energy focused on packing, he'd left the specifics to his peers. Whether it was solely pressure from his peers or simply fatigue, one can't say.

As for the party itself, while it had its fair share of hijinks, it was a relatively jovial time. He didn't have much in the way of costumes, but then again, every costume he did wear always felt like overkill. His normal appearance often was enough.

It's not until he returns back to his room, to the few boxes he'd put his clothes and belongings into that it truly sinks in.

November 1st.

He was returning home.

His eye trails to Veronika, sleeping in a pile of his clothes as his fingers softly tuck her in. With the exception of her box, he puts the rest into his spatial closet to retrieve later, his 'move' complete with nothing but his phone left.

...

It was surely close enough that he could send a text, right?

Sitting on the bed, he opens up his contacts and scrolls down the list. It had been so long that Hugo wasn't at the top of his recent contacts. The length of his stay had truly sunk in then, as he clicks on him to pull up their messages.

There's a few moments where he gets caught up in reading their last messages to each other. It was when Hugo had requested he take Jun's gift. Was that truly the last time they'd communicated outside of the carnival? This conversation felt like it happened ages ago.

It only drove home just what he had to address tomorrow. He'd spent over a week of thinking of what to say, gone through countless notepads and even more pens, and still, nothing could sound the way he wanted. But time was not going to wait for him, so much like typing this text, he presses onward.

Late into the night, Hugo will get a text from Lycaon:]

Hugo. I wanted to wish a bountiful Samhain to you. I hope you have been doing well in my absence.

With October reaching its conclusion and the Spirit Vein showing signs of returning to normal, I will be making my way back to the house in the morning. I've already put my boxes in storage, so there is no need to worry.

I've learned quite a bit about Harumasa and his condition, as well as some foods that he likes. I'll relay those to you at another time.

Veronika will be happy to see you.

[And so will he.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ When Hugo reads the message, a few things occur to him. The first was how they both really did quietly accept the separation the month brought them. Lycaon was always the dutiful type. He wouldn't go against something unless it truly called for it. The second was that despite saying he really couldn't benefit from the stay, Lycaon put in the effort anyway and intended to share the information regardless.

Mentions of Veronika got him to turn his head, looking at Irene where she was curled up. This message was its own sort of 'final notice', but Hugo couldn't help the sudden thought that occurred to him. He had to leave to put the final touches on what was to come.... but first.

In response to the message Lycaon sends, Hugo sends one of his own. It had no words of salutations or admissions of what he's spent his time doing. No. Lycaon receives a picture back of a fluffy white tail laying against the curve of the white couch cushions, and that was it.

Hugo reaches out to pet Irene's head when she lifted it, trying to figure out what he was doing. In return, the vampire merely tasks her with receiving Lycaon and Veronika when they come home and to make sure Robin also plays his part.

Within the hour, the house was left to Irene and the bangboo, and Hugo had fled into the night. ]

Audio; 11/12

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon was on his way back from the Vogue, phone held out in front of him on speakerphone. The white noise of people can be heard around him, but not so much that he's in a crowd.]

Hugo. Are you free? I was just on my way home and the man at the Goodwill gave me something.

[In his other hand was another pokeball. He'd thought it was a mistake, but the owner insisted.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo picks up his phone and listens to the message, looking around. He only worked a half day so he was free. ]

I am. Where would you like me to go?

Special Delivery for Christmas Day!

[life_ethereal]

[A package arrives in the mail for Hugo from Harumasa! As well as a beautiful bouquet full of seasonal flowers resting on top. Each flower has been lovingly picked out to symbolize his feelings of love and gratitude for Luke's presence in his life. When he opens up the package, there'll be three perfectly wrapped gifts inside. All of them are the same shape and weight, so it's probably the same gift in three parts.

Unwrapping the first will reveal a scrapbook with a cover that's decorated in theater themed stickers and bat stickers, and lovingly hand painted moons and stars. The cover is also embossed with gold ink in calligraphic numbers: 2017-2019. When he opens the front cover, there will be a note in Harumasa's handwriting on the front page. As the pages are flipped through, they're all photos mostly taken by him. It starts off very amateur and it's clear that when Harumasa's the subject, he's not quite comfortable in front of the camera. His smiles are awkward and don't really reach his eyes, looking more nervous or skittish than how he is now. Some are also very amateur landscapes and photos of the sky. However, as it progresses through his life, Hugo can see how Harumasa becomes more comfortable being photographed, how much more easily his smiles come to him and reach his eyes, and how his skill evolves. Every photo is dated and has a location underneath it, and every page is decorated to complement the photos on them.

The other two gifts are the same, but the numbers increase as they go through the years. 2020-2022, and finally 2023-2025. The final two pages of the 2025 book are dedicated to only two photos, one on each page. The one on the left is a Christmas photo of Harumasa with the siblings, their significant others, and Ragna. The one on the right is of the New Eridu crew. It's a candid photo that somehow captures all of them at the height of their joy during the Christmas party. Handwritten neatly at the top are the words: "I'm happy I get to share the stage of life with you."

As for the note at the beginning of the book, it says:]

Merry Christmas, Hugo!

I have to say, I'm really glad that I can more openly show my support for a certain songbird than I could in my past life. It's been a genuine joy and pleasure to have someone like you lighting up my life!

If all the world's a stage, then I'm glad I get to share it with you for however long I have.

Let's make the next year even more memorable!

Warmly yours,
Harumasa