isleofavalon | closed; doppo's arrival

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closed; doppo's arrival

🧙 WHO: Doppo and Hifumi
⚔️️ WHAT: Doppo's here.
🕒 WHEN: February, his initial arrival.
🗺️ WHERE: Just follow that out-of-place black rain cloud.
⚠️ WARNINGS: None as of right now other than Doppo's usual negativity.

[ Doppo must have fallen asleep in the bathtub or something...or so he thought. He wakes up at what appears to be the shore, just not in a place that he recognizes. Mind frazzled, suit drenched...he's inclined to think that he's still dreaming but usually he'd wake up after the initial shock. But much like a dream, it's still a creeping feeling like he's supposed to expect something he doesn't know about. Creeping, unsettling...the feeling doesn't go away even as the caravan takes him to Camelot.

Once he's mostly dried up and alone, he takes out the phone issued to him and the first thing he does is dial Hifumi's number. Maybe this is where he'd hear a very loud greeting to remind him that it's morning and that he'd have to get up if he wants to make it to work earlier-than-on-time. The call doesn't go through, of course...to which Doppo just goes to a nearby bench to take a seat. It's easier to gather his thoughts now that he's still, but he eyes the city life around him with its uniqueness and oddities, but is otherwise alike any other city to him. It just happens to be a city he's never heard of, let alone been to.

With a sigh, he leans back against the bench to stare at the sun. The sun's the sun...it's just not the sun he knows. ]

...is this dream going to end? Guess it's not so bad if nobody knows me...

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[Hifumi always felt pretty pathetic about his habit of visiting the new arrivals area when he could... Certain that any hope he had was a waste, but at least it has brought him some joy with getting to help new faces find their way around. By night he's a face his customers can count on for a good time, and by day he's a face newbies run into to have their troubles of being brought into a new world eased. It's a hard job keeping himself busy helping people when he can, but very much needed since he would otherwise spend too much time thinking about his loneliness. He really enjoys his roommates and is grateful to have them, but often felt like a burden to his roommates because of his... eccentricities.

Every day he grows more concerned about how much longer he can handle playing off being fine and all smiles. When your home isn't a place, but a person, how can one ever truly feel at home? He hasn't figured it out quite yet. Until he does, he'll continue doing what he has been and continue doing his best to bring joy to others.

Hifumi becomes distracted at the sight of someone on a bench. Someone familiar. Convinced he's seeing things, he's obviously finally lost his mind, and this very thought saddens him. His fairy, Eros, notices this and suddenly appears, trying to guide him over to the bench and circling around Doppo with laughter, but still he remains hesitant. This must be a dream, right? It can only be a dream, because just like a dream it seems his legs are taking him in that direction anyway, despite feeling like he's frozen in time.]

[ Doppo got the general gist that this place isn't completely like what he knows of back home, even with the existence of magic. Still, when a fairy starts to circle aorund him, he really thought he was losing it. ]

W-what? [ The first thing that crosses Doppo's mind when he realizes that it's laughing is if he had done something wrong and that he's in trouble. If that's the case, then just direct him who to apologize to so he can effectively cry himself to sleep - ]

Huh? [ He looks up to see his friend in front of him. They hadn't been separated too long, no longer than what feels like a usual work day for Doppo, but still, with all the foreignness around them, Hifumi is most definitely a welcoming sight. ]

H-Hifumi! [ If the fairy is yanking Doppo by the collar or something, he doesn't notice, much like how he doesn't realize just how long the other hand been here when the last time they talked was practically the day before for Doppo. ] You're here too! That's a relief... I tried calling you but it's...[ It's not his usual phone, so naturally it's not Hifumi's usual number but um -

Doppo stands up this time to meet him, unsure of what to make of the other's expression. He fully expects to be tackled or have his back slapped or something. ]

W-what is it?

[There's only so many things Hifumi can do to confirm this is real. The most important one he can try...

pulling Doppo into a hug, gripping him tightly out of desperation, needing for this moment to be real.]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. [He says rather softly. Always telling Doppo not to apologize when it isn't necessary, then doing the same thing himself.] I'm sure you've noticed that this place is different, and nothing makes sense right now. It'll probably make even less sense when I explain things. Just know that I didn't think I would ever see you again, so I want to stay like this for a little while, if that's okay.

[He tries to will himself to perk up with the same quickness he usually would do, but just. cannot.]

There's so much to talk about.

[ They've known each other long enough for Doppo to expect some form of a hug, he just wasn't expecting something so...worrisome. The words make it even more so. So, when he's embraced like this, he slowly puts his arms around him but once he gets there, his hold is firm. ]

...um, it sounds like you know more than I do but... [ And yeah, maybe they'll iron that out later in some private place but he's more concerned about what he's seeing right now. ]

Hifumi, are you okay? Did something else happen?

Time has an odd way of working here.

[Hifumi feels that's the easiest way to put it for now, until they go over things in more detail.]

For example, you were just at home and probably saw me not too long ago, right? Meanwhile I've been here for just over a year.

[He hated to worry Doppo... Doppo has more than enough worries in his life. So Hifumi does his best to force himself to start perking up. He pulls away from the hug, but only to pinch one of Doppo's cheeks with a sheepish grin.]

Sorry about that... it was just soooo super mean of this world to separate me from my very bestest friend in the whole world! What am I supposed to do with myself if I'm not cleaning up after you?

A year... [ It's a lot to take in, even with Hifumi's familiar attempts to bring levity to the situation. Kind of hard to imagine to actually be separated for a year when they would see each other practically every day. He's waiting for the "juuuuust kidding!" or something to indicate a proper reaction to this, but he's otherwise confused as he's concerned. Either way, he knows Hifumi too well to think that the other had actually been chipper this whole time. He prods Hifumi on the shoulder out of an attempt on his part to ground them both in what definitely feels like an awkward moment. ]

Hearing you apologize so much is just as weird, if not weirder. [ There's his own attempt at levity but Doppo's never really been good at that. The pinch reminds him that they've been hugging each other for a while and in the middle of the town at that. ]

Should we go somewhere else to talk? [ Somewhere with less foot traffic and where the both of them can relax, maybe. ] I...don't really know my way around. [ He runs his hand through his hair and makes a face. Still slightly damp from his initial arrival. ~~Did he fall asleep in the bathtub and now he's here or something god what is going on~~ ]

[Hifumi had almost forgotten that they're out in town with people around. Doppo in his presence made him forget his surroundings. When asked if they can go somewhere else to talk, he nods.]

We can take a carriage home just over here!

[He says without thinking, but catches himself as he guides Doppo towards the "vehicle".]

Oh-! That's two things to talk about already... no cars or trains here, and we have some pretty cool roommates.

[He is absolutely assuming Doppo would be okay living with strangers simply because he is there.]

What do you wanna know about first?

How are there phones but no motors... [ Doppo mumbles the mostly rhetorical question rather than one of the ones he'd like for Hifumi to answer. There are a lot of questions that he will eventually ask if the explanation isn't provided already. For now, he's going to think about the situation while they're riding in something that he thought was only done at theme parks or something.

Roommates, really? ]

Um...about you, I guess. If it really has been a year like you said then... Well, if you had roommates this whole time, you're probably okay... [ That he mumbles but it's clearly directed to Hifumi this time as he eyes the suit jacket. ] Right?

[ Sure, Doppo may have just spoken with Hifumi the day before but even in this otherworldly place, he wants to make sure his friend's alright. ]

[Oof, that's a rough question that makes Hifumi feel ashamed of himself, seeing Doppo eyeing his suit jacket. All this time outside of his own world and he hasn't changed at all... how terrible. For a moment he looks out at everything they pass by before he turns towards Doppo.]

Well... [He tries to figure out where to start, since there is so much he can say. It's pretty clear where he should start, however, even if he didn't want to go there.] There's 3 other roommates right now.... One of them a young woman. She hangs out on the roof when I'm in the house so that I don't encounter her in case I'm not wearing a suit jacket, and we communicate mostly by text. She's really sweet and more patient than she will ever know, especially with how frequently I apologize for being the reason she can't live normally in her house.

[Since he specified her house, he feels the need to explain.] By that I mean... Sensei used to be here, and he and she were together. It was their house originally.

Hifumi... [ Doppo doesn't mean to imply that the other ought to feel ashamed. If anything, what he just told him is a sign that he's improving. It's not the ideal, but still a huge step that he's proud of Hifumi for achieving. He's about to express this, even manages to put a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder, but it's still hit by a surprise at the reveal of - ]

S-Sensei had a girlfriend?! [ Wait, wait. Doppo, you fucking idiot. Focus! ] A-ah, I mean...what do you mean used to? You mean he moved out? [ They broke up? Did something happened to Jakuraiaifkjsdoilfajdsa ]

Edited 2022-03-06 07:24 (UTC)

[Hmm, a thoughtful look on Hifumi's face, because that is a very good question indeed. What does truly happen when a person is no longer here and no one saw them leave? He puts a hand on his head, thinking too hard about this.]

I don't really know how it happens; people just disappear. Kinda like how one day you were at home, then found yourself here out of nowhere. I'm guessing it was like that with him too.

[Hifumi notices the house up ahead, and points over to it.]

The commute isn't that long. Home is just up ahead! Megumi-chan has been keeping your bedroom from before clean since I- [Was he really about to say he hasn't been able to because it makes him sad? Surely he cannot admit to that.] you know, I keep busy with all the other parts of the house and stuff and she likes to help when she can! So maybe after you get some rest --and I cook you something, since you're probably starving-- I'll give you a tour.

[And give him some time to hide stuff in his own room to pretend they didn't eventually share it before...]

[ There's just so much to take in at once, like the fact that Jakurai was here (and had a girlfriend...!!) but isn't anymore, that Doppo will need more than his own brainpower to process everything. ~~Haha.~~

Okay, okay. He can gather as much that her name is Megumi. And once he gets the chance to, he won't let the fact that Hifumi's trying so hard still even in a completely different world get swept under the carpet.

Doppo would very much like to just sleep on the sofa (or a bed, whichever he can make to first) after enjoying a nice homecooked meal from Hifumi BUT... But with one revelation after another, he just has to give Hifumi's shoulder another squeeze as if that puts a pause to everything, although they are nearing the house. ]

W-wait..."from before"? Like with sensei, I was here and...? [ And let and now he's back, not remembering a goddamn thing??? WHAT IS GOING ON ]

[That's not how he planned to bring that up, but, well, it slipped out. He tries to be real smooth about it in a cute manner.]

Oopsie! For a sec I forgot it wasn't like you went on a vacation or something! [That is bull piled up on all the other bull he's created in this short time since Doppo's arrival. He is endlessly apologetic about it on the inside.] But yeah, once upon a time you were here too! It's been almost a year though.

[When the carriage comes to a halt, he climbs out with a quickness so that he can guide Doppo out, holding a hand out if he wanted.]

Hifumi, when was the last time I even had a vacation? [ He sighs, as if still waiting for the real punch line like all of this had been one elaborate prank. Even the carriage. ] That's...a pretty big detail to miss... [ How many more "oopsies" are there going to be? Doppo doesn't even ask this time, he's just going to try to mentally prepare himself. The last time he did, he only screamed internally so it's not impossible.

Feeling a little lightheaded from his initial arrival still, Doppo does take Hifumi's hand to hop off the carriage. They're heading back to "their place" although it's weird to call it that when Doppo cannot recall this place at all, let alone the extra company. He'll follow Hifumi regardless, trying to think of what to ask so things would be less confusing for him.

Although honestly, for every question answered, five more pop up as a result. He looks around where he can, taking in the sights. ] Vacation...ahh... would I even have enough paid time off...

[That.... certainly is not a question he knows the answer to. Hell, he doesn't even remember the last time he's had a vacation.]

I...

[Hifumi wants to finish that sentence, but, well, he's sure Doppo must have a feeling what the answer will be. He takes Doppo by the wrist to walk him over towards his bedroom, pointing to things here and there on the way.]

I don't know when you've last had a vacation, but what I do know is you can put your shoes here, and then in a jiffy you can get all comfy wumfy on your bed! I'm sure you're super excited about that!

[And in that moment... Hifumi throws his suit jacket over his shoulder to sit on the floor, grabbing onto Doppo's ankles. He hasn't had a reason to be this playful/annoying in a long time...]

Can't go anywhere now though, because I've got you!

Edited 2022-03-10 04:30 (UTC)

[ As nice as their own apartment back home is, this place is way bigger than Doppo's used to. It more or less confirms that Hifumi isn't messing with him when he mentioned that they have roommates. He recognizes the plants in his room...along with a few extras? But the sight of them brings a sense of relief that is second only to seeing Hifumi.

...even when he's being a little gremlin like this. Doppo just grumbles and wiggles his foot although it's absent of actual force. ]

Quit it already! I'm not going anywhere... [ There's no real venom behind his words either, but it especially softens when he's reminded again that it had been over a year since Hifumi had seen him. And Sensei, even. That actually gets him to stop shaking his foot and instead, he'll kneel so that they're both more or less on the floor now. ]

...so...

[ Doppo reaches over, seemingly about to push aside Hifumi's bangs but he ends up pointing at the fairy by him. ]

...who's that?

[Hifumi releases Doppo's ankles when he points over at his fairy. Even though he's used to having a fairy in his life by now, he still thinks it's the coolest thing to ever have. Hifumi gets back up on his feet, gesturing dramatically over to his fairy.]

This is my little friend, Eros! [Eros does a nod and a little spin in place.] Eros is my familiar! He helps me with magic and other stuff sometimes!

[On the topic of familiars..., he suddenly stares at Doppo very curiously.]

I wonder what yours is? Everyone has one in this world!

[ The two of them are practically beaming, with Doppo letting bits of that light hit him and brings about an endeared smile from him. ]

You two definitely match up, haha... [ Are they meant to be a reflection of each other? Doppo almost kind of dreads meeting his if he indeed has one also...

He already apologizes to the world for his existence. What if they reflect each other a little too well? ]

About the magic stuff...

[ Well, the question starts off more like, "About the magi-ACKKK" because Doppo's hit by some force against his legs from behind, sending him stumbling over to clumsily grasp for Hifumi who happens to be in front of him. Whether he's caught from totally falling over or not, the two of them will see a dog-like creature standing at a comparable height of a grown corgi. It's dog-like looking enough for Doppo to not freak out at its unusually statue-like appearance. (Which is betrayed by the rather expressive tail wagging and even more expressive eyes.) ]

[It startles Hifumi to see Doppo suddenly trip? fall? be knocked over? he's not sure which at first, until he notices something that is where Doppo was just seconds ago. But before he even touches on what he's seeing...]

Are you okay, Doppo?

[Even though he caught Doppo from completely falling over, he's gotta make sure that thing didn't accidentally hurt him. Surely Doppo is startled himself, and in an attempt to comfort him, Hifumi smiles, stroking Doppo's head lovingly.]

I guess that must be your little guy! He heard us talking about him and came out to say hi!

[ The fact that Doppo is reacting to the head patting like it's a totally normal thing...is that it's a totally normal thing. Thankfully, the force isn't considered damaging by any means as Doppo is more startled than he's actually hurt. This is nothing compared to being hit by a scooter. ]

This guy's my...familiar? [ He pulls away from Hifumi to kneel down, half-prepared (so, never prepared) for the moment the thing might bite his hand or something. ]

It looks like those statues that guard the temples. [ He starts to pet him. And instead of biting him, the komainu licks his hand which...why is that suddenly the most validating feeling in the world??! Doppo turns to look up at Hifumi like he just won the lottery and is actually happy about it. ]

Hifumi...! [ He likes him!!! ]

You're right, it does look like one of those statues! That's super cool!

[And just when Hifumi thought he would say more things about his familiar, the adorable scene takes place before him, making him feel like melting into a puddle. Oh no. How will he ever live with this level of cuteness in his life?!]

Hehe! [Hifumi laughs at Doppo's reaction.] I'm so happy your familiar has got you all excited...! Just wait til you see more of what it can do!

[He's so happy to see Doppo so happy about it that he felt like he could cry. This is a moment he will always remember no matter what.]

They help us with magic, right? [ Honestly, the little fella just existing is enough to lift Doppo's spirits. ~~What does that say about Doppo? Er...~~ He picks up Kominu ~~name pending~~ who happily sits in his arms. ]

Um, so Hifumi... [ He probably looks like he's about to continue his initial question before getting barreled over by this magical, four-legged happy nugget. The confusion in his tone is still there but it's a little more reassured than earlier. ]

You've been by yourself for a while, haven't you? I mean, you have roommates but... I'm sorry for disappearing on you, even if I don't remember anything... [ And no way it would've been his choice. Jakurai probably would feel the same way.

Doppo closes the distance between them, eyes concerned but ever earnest. ] This all still feels like a dream too. Whether it is or it isn't, I'm glad we're together now.

[Hifumi expected this. He expected Doppo to apologize over not being around, even if it's not something he could have helped. Hifumi's greatest fear with Doppo finding out about everything is how crushed and guilty he'll feel not remembering anything, so Hifumi starts to feel a little anxious when Doppo touches on this subject.]

It's okay! It's not your fault this universe is mean to people.

[As Doppo closes the distance between them, Hifumi reaches a hand out to pat him on the head. He can't help it; giving Doppo any kind of affection is what he liked doing normally anyway, but especially now that Doppo will have to deal with being in a place like this.]

I'm glad we're together now too. [He says more softly, still emotional about having Doppo back,] Really glad...

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closed; doppo's arrival

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