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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.
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[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.]
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... 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. )
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[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.]
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... 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--] )
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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.]
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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.
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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.
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... 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.]