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GRAVEYARD
THE MUSEUM
So, you’ve met your end and regardless of your beliefs, the expectation is that is where things end. Rebirth. Damnation. Salvation. A simple black screen… None of those things happen; how (un)fortunate for you. How jarring it must be to have your last moments not be your final moments. On the bright side, all the injuries you’ve sustained are no longer present. You’re as good as new!
Now, whether you’ve met your end violently, peacefully, or something between the two, you’ll find yourself sat in front of a sprawling behemoth of a wall tastefully covered from floor to ceiling (where is the ceiling?) with various objects on display. All of them carefully and neatly framed or kept safe within a box attached to the wall. Not only that, but there are cages hanging from the “ceiling” that contain even more objects for viewing. However, other than the walls, the hanging cages, and the bench—there is no padding on the bench; only a cold, hard surface that does not give—you find yourself sitting on, the rest of this room is completely empty.
At least, after giving a survey of the area, it will be obvious that it isn’t an enclosed space. There is an opening to a hallway—hopefully. Only one way to find out. Spoilers, there are many, many, many other rooms that make up this place.
Oh, but just what is all out on display?
Well, it varies and depends on who is looking. The hanging cages contain skeletons of creatures from home. Whose home? Your home. It’s the same story for everything that has been framed. They’re all images, items, objects—things—from home. Your home. Fortunately, not everything is familiar as unfamiliar items are included in equal parts. How did they all get here? What are they all doing here?
Have you considered the similarities between a museum and a graveyard? Both are places where the living go to marvel at the dead.
Now, whether you’ve met your end violently, peacefully, or something between the two, you’ll find yourself sat in front of a sprawling behemoth of a wall tastefully covered from floor to ceiling (where is the ceiling?) with various objects on display. All of them carefully and neatly framed or kept safe within a box attached to the wall. Not only that, but there are cages hanging from the “ceiling” that contain even more objects for viewing. However, other than the walls, the hanging cages, and the bench—there is no padding on the bench; only a cold, hard surface that does not give—you find yourself sitting on, the rest of this room is completely empty.
At least, after giving a survey of the area, it will be obvious that it isn’t an enclosed space. There is an opening to a hallway—hopefully. Only one way to find out. Spoilers, there are many, many, many other rooms that make up this place.
Oh, but just what is all out on display?
Well, it varies and depends on who is looking. The hanging cages contain skeletons of creatures from home. Whose home? Your home. It’s the same story for everything that has been framed. They’re all images, items, objects—things—from home. Your home. Fortunately, not everything is familiar as unfamiliar items are included in equal parts. How did they all get here? What are they all doing here?
Have you considered the similarities between a museum and a graveyard? Both are places where the living go to marvel at the dead.
EXHIBIT #04 - COMFORT
Likely the first room that you’ll come across after moving from the initial room. This room feels just as grand and just as empty as that room, but at least the walls aren’t covered in things from (your) home. 
Instead, there will be surfaces to claim, if you wish. Beds, sofas, couches, chaises lounge, bean bags, you name it—if someone could consider it comfortable then it will be present in all shapes, sizes, and variations. The only real catch is that each surface will be displayed individually and cannot be moved. Obviously.
Against one of the walls is a very small plaque that reads:
[ FOR DISPLAY ONLY – DO NOT TOUCH ]
Oops.
Instead, there will be surfaces to claim, if you wish. Beds, sofas, couches, chaises lounge, bean bags, you name it—if someone could consider it comfortable then it will be present in all shapes, sizes, and variations. The only real catch is that each surface will be displayed individually and cannot be moved. Obviously.
Against one of the walls is a very small plaque that reads:
[ FOR DISPLAY ONLY – DO NOT TOUCH ]
Oops.
EXHIBIT #09 - VIEWING
What’s a museum without some sort of media installation, hm?
For this room, there is only one thing and one thing only—a projector. For much of the time the projector being on (you can’t turn it off. In fact, where is the projector?), it won’t be displaying anything but a white light on the blank wall opposite of it.
However, while the wall is blank, every so often it’s possible to hear faint voices coming from above. Especially during the night before—you know.
For this room, there is only one thing and one thing only—a projector. For much of the time the projector being on (you can’t turn it off. In fact, where is the projector?), it won’t be displaying anything but a white light on the blank wall opposite of it.
However, while the wall is blank, every so often it’s possible to hear faint voices coming from above. Especially during the night before—you know.
EXHIBIT #03 - GARDEN
It’s here that you can finally see the ceiling even if it’s still more of a “sky” than a true ceiling. 
Those with keen eyes will be able to tell that it’s an artificial sky, and, for those who are less aware, then how it randomly flickers should help with that. Or not. Regardless, the presence of a “sky” isn’t the only surprising thing about this room—it might not even be the first thing that goes noticed. Despite all the expansive and seemingly never-ending hallways that lead to rooms that are void of anything living, this room is alive. Somehow.
A small plaque on the wall will describe this exhibit as an “interactive” medium with gentle suggestions to not be too rough with anything. This exhibition will be a picturesque garden full of all kinds of flowers and plants with a small pond with lily pads and lotus located towards the center of the room. The only physical structure within this room is a very small and simple gazebo containing two chairs and a small table. Perfect for having afternoon tea—if that’s your kind of thing. However, if you were hoping to listen to any bird song, look at what animals have taken residence in the pond, or generally any other kind of life then you’ll be disappointed.
Those with keen eyes will be able to tell that it’s an artificial sky, and, for those who are less aware, then how it randomly flickers should help with that. Or not. Regardless, the presence of a “sky” isn’t the only surprising thing about this room—it might not even be the first thing that goes noticed. Despite all the expansive and seemingly never-ending hallways that lead to rooms that are void of anything living, this room is alive. Somehow.
A small plaque on the wall will describe this exhibit as an “interactive” medium with gentle suggestions to not be too rough with anything. This exhibition will be a picturesque garden full of all kinds of flowers and plants with a small pond with lily pads and lotus located towards the center of the room. The only physical structure within this room is a very small and simple gazebo containing two chairs and a small table. Perfect for having afternoon tea—if that’s your kind of thing. However, if you were hoping to listen to any bird song, look at what animals have taken residence in the pond, or generally any other kind of life then you’ll be disappointed.
EXHIBIT # — ???
Nothing is on display in this room; all that is there is just empty walls, empty “ceilings”, empty floors…
The only thing that can be found is a small, simple white card free from any kind of writing. A completely blank card. If you try to take it out of the room, it will instantly disappear from wherever it was stored and return to the room.
The only thing that can be found is a small, simple white card free from any kind of writing. A completely blank card. If you try to take it out of the room, it will instantly disappear from wherever it was stored and return to the room.
no subject
He watches from behind for a moment or two, mismatched eyes following the projection that he can still see despite Yuki being in the way, and only moves forward to rest a hand on Yuki's shoulder after the lull of the living leaving for investigations.]
I'm here for you. [A reminder Yuki likely doesn't need, but one he freely gives anyway.] Just like you were there for me.
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But contending with his own anger is as painful as it is to face his own grief. )
... I feel like my chest is going to split in two.
( Murmuring wet-eyed between his strained repetitions of Hyunjung's name. He failed him, is the feeling at the heart of it all. He needed to protect Hyunjung, but he couldn't, and so - in some perverse, nonsensical way, he feels responsible for Hyunjung's final moments, immolated and in pain. (Hadn't Zvei been burned up, too? There's a pattern here, but he can't tell if it matters.)
He breathes, the inhales and exhales clipping into one another until it's barely any separate action. At least Nala is safe, he tries to tell himself. But it doesn't cancel out all this. )
... Can you... hold me?
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There's no hesitation, though - Yuki asks, and Zvei listens, and he's immediately moving to embrace Yuki. Such a thing would have been unthinkable at the start of this, but it comes easily to him now. He's even decent at hugging by this point! Truly a miracle.]
Just let me know when you want me to let go. We can stay like this for as long as you'd like.
[The whole trial, even! Whatever Yuki needs in this moment.]
If there's anything more I can do for you, let me know. I... don't know how much I can truly do to help, but I will be here with you.
no subject
He swallows, hard, a great delay after the Zvei said anything. He's probably wetting the front of your shirt, gomen... )
... Just stay... please.
( 8-9 hours of holding yuki time... but at some point during trial yuki will just blob against him which is probably easier to settle down with. )
... I just can't be alone. ( His own thoughts will rip him apart, and he really will shatter. But, even more... ) ... Don't... let anything happen to you again. Please... don't.
( There is nothing risking Zvei - or anyone else here - right now ... probably. But the way he pleads so desperately, it doesn't seem to matter. Hyunjung has been killed, as has Maomao, who was terribly kind to him - if he has one constant he can cling to in this second, he needs it to be Zvei's safety, as impossible as that might be to guarantee. )
no subject
I will. I won't go anywhere.
[He watches the trial, mismatched eyes flicking over the living as he tries to figure out exactly what happened. He's more focused on Yuki, though, so it's not like he's going to be solving this case. The silence is fine, but when Yuki breaks his, his attention returns to the other man immediately.]
I won't. I won't, Yuki, I promise. I'll keep myself safe.
[It goes against his very nature to prioritize his own safety over the unknown, but it is something he can easily promise Yuki here and now, because there isn't any threat against them. It may be harder to keep that promise if things change, but he'll do his best. He doesn't want to worry Yuki, and if this will help, then of course he'll promise it. Without hesitation.]
no subject
But Zvei staying here, Zvei comforting him ... helps. It helps. He exhales, relying upon it like a crutch. )
... Thank you. I apologize. But... thank you.
( His thanks and apologies are for all the same things - for being here for him; for promising; things Yuki wants and needs but knows are unreasonable, are too much to deal with. But Zvei does it anyway, for him.
Blearily, he presses a palm against his eyes, wishing he never had this capacity to cry to begin with. Why did Choushichirou design him with this...? Why did he design Yuki with so many feelings at all...?
... )
... I might do something unreasonable to the killer.
( yuki "dont wallow in that feeling its not good for you" nosuke. But he's aware of his own hypocrisy, and he states it because ... he will be transparent about his imperfection with Zvei. And... if Zvei thinks he shouldn't, then... Yuki thinks Zvei might be the only person he might listen to, now or if the killer arrives.
But if Zvei thinks he's right to, then it must be right.
Yuki knows his feelings might change if the killer is innocent. They might. He would be understanding, at least. But ... mmm ... it's easier to be understanding when discussing a general good. When it comes to his loved ones ... if he hadn't been sick when Lynne confirmed she was the killer ...
... He can't promise he wouldn't have done something. )
no subject
It's fine, he tells himself. He needs to focus on Yuki and not the what-ifs that may not even pan out. Almost absently, he reaches up to gently pat Yuki's head. Pat pat. He's trying.]
I'd be quite the hypocrite if I were to try to talk you out of it.
[Yuki didn't try to talk him out of it either. But...]
Don't lose yourself to it entirely, alright? It doesn't feel good. I wouldn't want to lose sight of the Yuki I know, after all.
[It's still not properly gentle; Zvei can't do gentle. But it's soft, meant for Yuki's ears only - something to consider, not something to try to sway him one way or another. If Yuki decides that retaliation is something he wants to pursue, Zvei won't stop him.]
no subject
He's quiet for a time, but, blearily, he makes a faint sound of affirmation. )
... I promised I wouldn't go anywhere. So... I won't.
( ... So... he can't lose himself. He will keep to his word. He can't break a promise...
...
And as Wazy makes his accusation...
... Yuki slowly... sits up, gaze fixing on the projection. He says nothing, but it's clear he's focused on knowing if this accusation is correct. )
no subject
[Seymour starts laughing. Everything's about to go to hell, isn't it? Many of the others are readying for a fight. Maybe they're right to do so.]
I don't want to lose you. Not to anything.
[Especially not to anger. It was bad enough to experience it so vividly for so short a time, he can't imagine how much worse it is for Yuki right now.]
no subject
... He's sat up but he will find Zvei's hand, and he will interlock their fingers, and he will hold his hand firm there - the steadiest he's manage to be all day. It's not, really, a gesture of comfort, but - one of binding, maybe. Had he nails, perhaps he'd drive them through their hands if he could. )
... Even if this is also me?
( It's not a test, or a real question, or anything, just - he's almost a little lost in his own flood of emotion, and maybe that's why he needs Zvei as an anchor, not a buoy; a thing he will go down with, even if it will not save him, to keep himself centred.
What is "Yuki," anyway? Is it the good boy persona he always projects? Is it this weak thing, full of emotion? How would he even know? He's always been defined by forces, inside and out, he can barely understand. )
no subject
[It's that simple to Zvei. Yuki heard all of Zvei's horrid, cruel truths and chose to accept him despite it. Why would he ever turn his back on Yuki, even if this is also him? Even if he wants revenge and will pursue it against someone Zvei cares for - why would that deter him? Nothing could, at this point.
His grip is tight on Yuki's hand, like a lifeline. Like a promise.]
no subject
... If there is a flicker of something familiar, a flicker of the usual Yuki, then, for the first time today, Zvei sees it here. )
... What else could I do but love you, when you laid your heart bare?
( And that... will never change. If there are just a few facts that remain immutable and true despite the torrent of his shifting feelings, his changing self throughout all this - let that be one.
[brief moment of peace seconds before anima and nala take the stage--] )
no subject
I expected you to turn away from me. I didn't expect you to continue to believe in me.
[And he is so, so thankful that Yuki did. That Yuki continued to choose him, despite his horrid, horrid flaws.]
Rest assured that no matter what, I will be right here for you.
[He hopes more than anything else that he can keep that promise.]
no subject
None of this addresses the tumult in his heart, and yet - gradually, he finds it easier to breathe. Bit by bit, a nail between each bone in their hands. Is this what forever means? It had been something he'd said arbitrarily, childishly - a silly thing in fairy tales. He hardly knew what it is, just what it was not - it just meant you wouldn't be lonely again. But what is there, beside that? What does it fill you with?
He can't be sure if any of this is an answer to any query he has. But ... if inside him is the rocking waves of a stormy ocean, he feels the waves crash at a more rhythmic pace. Something ... maybe he can manage.
He doesn't doubt for a moment that Zvei will keep his promise. His horizon doesn't extend that far. And, perhaps ... that is terribly naive of him. )
... I wish... your life had been kinder to you. I wish you had no reason to think your openness would be met with rejection.
( Exhales... gently... Maybe... he should let Zvei into his thoughts more? )
... I don't know what it is about myself that's wrong. I think... I am too much. ( It's more than an "I think," but he leaves it as it is. ) ... So it's not often I am confided in. That... someone would risk their heart, to hope to stay near me.
( ... )
... You are not without hope, nor feeling. You are comprised of your best points much more than you are your past mistakes. And... it made me so happy... that you would share your worst with me, that you wished to be who you are with me. That you would want me to know it. It makes me happy, even now. If I could return that warmth a hundred fold in turn ... I think that would still be too little to offer.
no subject
Hardly a point in thinking about it now, he supposes. Yuki continues, and Zvei pats him on the head again.]
I don't think you're "too much" at all. You're Yuki, and I quite like you. I may not always understand what you are thinking and feeling, but I trust that you will explain it to me, should I struggle with it. And I trust that you'll ask, should you need anything I can offer you.
[Ultimately, he's a pretty simple person. Yuki is Yuki, and nothing about him is going to drive Zvei away.]
But you're being a little silly, you know. You already return that warmth - far more than you're giving yourself credit for. If anything, I've been trying to match you! You're doing a wonderful job, not just of helping me and being patient with me, but in being kind and compassionate. You're a dear friend, Yuki.
no subject
... And you, a dear friend of mine. More dear than I have the words to express. You make me happy, return every ounce of warmth with interest, simply by being all that you are.
( Zvei is something unique. Zvei may believe himself in debt for Yuki's endearment to his flaws, but Yuki feels the same inversed - that Zvei does not see his flaws as flaws at all; that he does not find Yuki redundant, or overwhelming; that he sees the worst of Yuki, and affirms, again and again, that Yuki is safe to remain beside him.
Zvei may be imperfect, but that - selfishly - gives Yuki a purpose. If he were a saint, he wouldn't care for Yuki's empathy, or presence, would he? He wouldn't have need for it. There exists ... space for Yuki here, he thinks. Better - Zvei wants Yuki there. )
... So that you remain here, beside me, is enough, even when I am at my worst. ( He is a simple Yuki with simple needs. Voracious needs, but at the core, they are simple. ) You fill this hollow body of mine with warmth enough. I think... nothing could make me happier than to explain each thread of my heart and mind to you, and trust you will do the same.
( Said without pressure; without expectation. Simply put - he trusts Zvei will be honest with him. And he hopes that he can be a balm to Zvei as Zvei has been to him. )
... I want you to be happy, above all things. ( Yuki doesn't mean to exclude himself from this statement, but ultimately Zvei's happiness is tantamount. ) ... And I will do everything I can to ensure that. No matter what it is. Whatever it might take.
( A statement that is genuine, wholesome - but relentless, and certain.
Whatever it takes. He promises. )
no subject
You know that I feel the same way about you, right? I want you to be happy too. I want to do what I can for you, everything I can for you.
[Not just to repay the debt he feels he owes, but because Yuki accepted him. Yuki chose him. He looked the ugly, cruel truth in the face and chose to continue reaching out to Zvei, despite knowing the things he's capable of, the things he did and could potentially do again. Would he? No. He's changed, and he wants to believe that things will never be the same as they once were. That thought would have worried him, once.
He thinks it's for the best now, though.]