TNDG 4 - ENDGAME

[the_macdonald]

[So you're at the Halloween dance, and maybe you're fighting robots or each other, or maybe you were just hanging out and eating pizza? Either way, there's a new door in the building... or maybe one you simply didn't notice before? It opens, and inside there is a well-lit TV stage, upon which there are several freestanding doors with names of all the surviving participants. A monitor in the corner displays the face of Ronald McDonald.]

All right, kids! Game's over! Thanks to all your tomfoolery, our sponsors pulled out, and we can't even afford prizes. Get on out of here, you little shits!

((Here's your endgame post! The doors will drop off each person where they were kidnapped (or will drop someone else where the person whose name is listed was kidnapped). Say goodbye, yell at the hosts, go back and bob for apples?))

Comments

[you_like_ike]

[Brushes his fingers over Soren's hair, attempting to be soothing while he catches his breath.]

Trying...

[That sounds so temporary... Ike looks off into space over Soren's head as he thinks. Huffs a shallow sigh. Hmmm...]

...

[Bluntly:]

...Can we try being a couple?

[i_like_ike]

[The uncharacteristic look of bewildered excitement crossing Soren's face is not unlike that of a kid who has been surprised with a puppy.]

C-could we? Would you really want to do that with me?

[you_like_ike]

Yes. With you.

I want you by my side as more than just an advisor and friend.

[i_like_ike]

I- I want that too!

[Starting to tear up a little. This is maybe more feelings than he knows how to handle.]

[you_like_ike]

...

[Pulls him closer into a full hug when he notices him start to cry.]

It's okay, Soren. Don't worry. I think this will work out just fine.

[i_like_ike]

Ugh, I'm sorry. I'm doing this all wrong.

[Rubs at his eyes.]

I want to tell you how I feel...

[you_like_ike]

...Please. Tell me. You seem like you've been torturing yourself for a long time.

[i_like_ike]

I... I love you so much that at times it leaves me breathless.

[you_like_ike]

[Withdraws from the hug enough that he can take Soren's hands between his own.]

...You've thought a lot about this. Thank you for opening up with me, Soren.

I'm only starting to understand what I want. I suppose getting a little of my memory back helped me see how much I care about you. Please... always stay by my side.

......I want to keep caring for that boy who had nothing.

[i_like_ike]

[Tears streaming down his cheeks]

Yes. I am here for you always, no matter what.

[you_like_ike]

Soren... you've been in a lot of pain. You don't have to keep holding in your emotions with me... I'll help you get used to them.

[Lowers himself down to sit against the wall, and opens his arms to make a space for Soren to join him and be embraced.]

There's no hurry now. We can wait here awhile longer before reuniting with the troop. Together...

[i_like_ike]

[Settles in with him, resting his head against Ike's chest.]

Thank you. I don't mind if it's you, but I don't want the others to see me like this.

[you_like_ike]

As long as there's at least one person you can be open with, I'm glad. You're brilliant Soren, but you become a mess if you try to suffer alone.

[Rests his chin on Soren's head.]

[i_like_ike]

I do, don't I? I don't know how to be happy, either...

I truly appreciate your patience.

[you_like_ike]

I'll try to make you happy.

[Determined!]

[i_like_ike]

[tiny smile]

You already make me happy.

[shh that's not contradictory at all]

[you_like_ike]

I hope so.

[Finds Soren's hand and laces their fingers together.]

...What are we going to do differently when we get back? I didn't think that far.

[i_like_ike]

I'd like it if we could sit together, just like this. And... I wouldn't mind if you ever wanted to kiss me again.

[Cannot make eye contact while saying such embarrassing things.]

[you_like_ike]

Okay. That sounds nice to me.

[Points at his own mouth.] You can kiss me whenever you want, too.

[i_like_ike]

[Looks VERY DETERMINED]

[...and then sniffles because his nose is staring to run from all that crying...]

[But after that he tilts his head up to kiss!! Ike!! Lips touching lips!!]

[you_like_ike]

[Shuts his eyes and softly kisses back.]