towerofanimus | "Love Fool" Player Plot Log

"Love Fool" Player Plot Log

Characters: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne and anyone affected by his curse or who wants to get caught up in the chaos!
Setting: March 29th-April 4th. Anywhere in the tower during the beginning of the event, primarily in and around Room 4-16 later in the event.
Format: Any!
Summary: Instead of being mostly inactive, Diarmuid's curse starts being active most of the time and it's affecting both men and women! Chaos ensues! An OOC plotting and sign up post is here.
Warnings: Death, violence, blood, worms (X.x Kariya...), psychological torture, swearing, shenanigans of a romantic nature, and ANGST! I will update as it is needed!
Notes: Being affected by Diarmuid's curse requires a tag on his permissions post here so please make sure to stop by! If the log gets too big, I will make a second, overflow log and link it here. While most sections have dates on them, they are only references for the time of the week that the events are going on and not when the section is available for posting. All sections are open for posting just as soon as the log goes up and will stay open throughout the event.

Notice: The log is open! Have fun everyone and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Background Information:

One of Diarmuid's most defining traits is his curse, actually a gift given to him by a spirit of love, beauty, and youth as repayment for something he did for her. Unfortunately, while something like that might be an actual gift to a fellow spirit or god, giving it to a human doesn't work quite so well. Being a honorable man, though, Diarmuid has never taken advantage of those affected by his curse. Instead, he has done his best to let them down gently and guide them through the pain caused by it. Sometimes this has worked and sometimes it hasn't. In either event, he remembers vividly every person he's ever hurt because of it.

That approach works well until the woman who falls in love with him is his Lord's fiancee and a princess who won't take no for an answer. She places a geis on him that forces him to run away with her. Many things end that night and a great many more begin. At least, that's how the legends go.

In the tower, his curse has been weakened somewhat so that it is only rarely active. However, when it activates and for how long is random, and he doesn't know when it is happening until those affected start acting oddly toward him. Those so affected seem to remain that way for a week or two and often have some success controlling their reactions to him if they have a strong will or know that they are under the curse's spell.

Event Information:

During the event instead of activating only once and a while, Diarmuid's curse will almost constantly be active. It will also affect men and women meaning that almost everyone he runs into in the tower has the chance of being affected. He will not know this right away and will continue going about his normal patrol routes, meetings, and so on until he finally realizes what is going on. Once he does, he will start hiding in his room to limit the number of people affected. However, this won't work out so well because with him staying in one place, anyone who is under the curse's spell and trying to find him isn't going to have to look very hard.

Every day he will be spending at least a little time out of his room so that a character can be hit by the curse whenever they wish to be during the event. Anyone is welcome to have their character affected whether or not they actually have CR already with Diarmuid. This is actually a good time to start up CR if you have wanted to, but not been sure how since he will be checking in with people to make sure they are okay once the effects of the curse have passed. New players are also welcome!

How strongly and how long a character is affected by the curse is totally up to that character's mun. And remember, your character doesn't have to be affected by the curse to participate! Do they want to troll Diarmuid by acting like they are affected when they aren't? Do they want to slip him a gift or thank you but have been too shy to until they have the chance to do it under the guise of something else? Might they just be passing by Room 4-16 and get caught up in a fight? Do they have a friend who is affected and are trying to 'help' them out? Anything is possible and creativity is encouraged!

Below I have set up several locations and times to have things going on, but feel free to start something elsewhere if you wish! Private meetings between characters working together or other similar posts are welcome. Just be sure to mark what is going on. In an effort to try and keep everything to one log, I have made sub-headings for his Mailbox and for Network posts should characters wish to use those things as well to show their feelings. Because people are competing for his attention to the point of fighting in some cases, please be aware that I am encouraging threadjacking and sneaky tricks like stealing gifts out of his mailbox or from his room. If you want to make sure that a thread isn't interrupted by others or a gift stolen, please mark the thread's subject line with the word "Locked." Any thread marked in such a way should only have Diarmuid and the thread starter replying in it unless other arrangements have been made. All other threads are considered open for interruption, but please remember to be polite.

Important Note: To help keep things organized, please make sure to put either "Open" or "Locked" in the subject line of all newly started threads so that people know if it is okay to jump in or not. It is all right if you decide to change the status later in the thread--just adjust the comment title in the next post.

Diarmuid will not respond to threads that aren't marked until they are marked, and I would ask others not to either since once replied to, comments can't be edited. Once the thread is marked, it is fair game to be replied to.

During the end of the event players will find it harder to get into Diarmuid's room because the way will be blocked. Master Kariya Matou (

vermicompost ) will have ordered his Servant Berserker (

chevalier_mal_fet ) to guard the door. Far from what it looks like on the outside, both men aren't trying to help protect their friend from those affected. Instead, they have also been affected and are tying to keep away all other potential suitors! Can anyone say Boss Fight? Will those affected team up to take them down or maybe just sit back and let them take out a few rivals to thin the competition? It's all up to you guys and how nuts you want to get!

Important Note: When tagging the 'Boss Fight' section, in addition to marking your post "locked" or "open" in the subject line, please also state if your character is meeting Lancelot in his true form--which will mean having to deal with him in some way so your character can get through to the room--or in Diarmuid's form--which will mean he will greet your character and act like Diarmuid in an attempt to lead your character away from the room. Your character is free to be fooled or see through his deception as the thread progresses. Just be aware that Lancelot's mimic ability is high level and will take either knowing Diarmuid and his quirks well or having a lot of magical knowledge to see through.

Finally, while the tone for the event is mostly fun and humorous, if you want there can be more serious consequences. If any character is involved in a serious incident or dies because of something related to the event, please make sure you put a comment in this section with your character's name, journal, a quick blurb about what happened and, most importantly, if you want Diarmuid to know what happened. Obviously, because of his nature, he is going to want to contact anyone who is seriously impacted by or killed because of his curse.

That's it! Go forth and cause chaos! If there are questions or problems at any time, please feel free to contact me via pm though Diarmuid's journal (

oathshackledbird ) or on Plurk at

NekoSandy

IC Event Introducton:

The day starts off like any other for Diarmuid and for that he is glad. After all that had happened at the end of the month in February, quiet and routine days are something he is not going to argue against. Besides, with so many people who are from some version of the world he knows having arrived this month, he would really like them to have a chance to settle in before things get too chaotic again. There are those he would also like to spend as much time with as possible before anything else happens. So many people, himself included, need as much time as they can get to just sort out the things going on in their heads.

The problem is, will the tower give that time to them? Diarmuid knows each quiet day is one more step forward so that they can all be prepared for whatever the administrators throw at them next.

A small smile crosses his face as he takes off to make his first patrol of the tower. After that, he will probably have something to eat at the cafeteria, before taking some time to visit friends. Sometime before nightfall, he will make another patrol of the floors before retiring to his room for the night. It's a simple day and considering how quickly things can go bad in the tower when things get too complex, he's not bothered at all by that simplicity.

It's just a shame that he doesn't realize, as he leaves his room, that things won't stay simple for long. Not with his curse suddenly becoming active in a way it never has before...

Section Links:

Diarmuid's Mailbox #0091
Network Posts
Diarmuid's Room (4-16) on Mar 29th-Mar 31st
Outside of Diarmuid's room on Mar 29th-Mar 31st
Anywhere in the Tower on Mar 29th-Mar 31st
Diarmuid's Room (4-16) on April 1st-April 4th
Outside of Diarmuid's room on April 1st-4th
Anywhere in the Tower on April 1st-4th
Boss Encounter with Berserker on April 3rd-April 4th
Serious Incident/Death List

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sakura? No, I haven't heard anything. Is she here? I haven't seen her, but I have to admit, two people who are very important to me arrived this month and I have been busy seeing to them so that I haven't been around to greet new faces as much as I usually do.

[Okay, so that's not quite true. While he feels like he should be helping and watching over Sola-Ui, ever since the night of her arrival and their talk, he has been afraid to talk to her. In truth, it's been Waver he has been spending he most time with. He just can't help it. Something about his alternate world master calms him in a way nothing else does.]

Yes, she's here. I was able to see her again, to talk to her. She's older now... But she's still the same Sakura. [At least, in Kariya's mind, she is.]

Some people you know came here too? I'm happy for you. [He smiles again, though he feels a pang. Diarmuid's obviously been spending time with these other people instead of him. Maybe that's why he hasn't seen him. Still, there's no reason for him to mind it, and he should be happy for Diarmuid, shouldn't he?]

Not that this is a good place to be, but it is good to see the people we care about again, isn't it? Of course you must want to protect them. I'll do anything I can to protect Sakura.

[If only Aoi could be here too. At least Diarmuid is. He's as kind and generous as Aoi, after all. Even if they're very different people, they still have some things in common.]

[A look of joy covers Diarmuid's face when Kariya answers yes.]

I am so happy for you. Yes, this is a terrible place to have someone you love, but that just means having them is all the more comforting and gives you that much more reason to focus on finding a way to be free of this place.

I don't even need to ask if you were happy to see her. Was she happy to see you? Perhaps you will tell me about her? We can go into the room and sit if you would like so you don't get too tired. That way I can tell you about the people who I have met.

One of them is a version of Sola-Ui. Do you know who she was? She was my master's fiancee during the 4th war. Only, things went very differently on her world. There was no war and somehow I was born her son instead of being summoned as a servant.

[Diarmuid shakes his head. Thinking about that is still very weird to him.]

The second person is a version of Waver Velvet from 10 years after the war. Only in his war the relic he stole from Kayneth was mine, not Rider's.

[A soft, happy look covers Diarmuid's face.]

He has been so kind to me even though I am not the same servant that he fought in the war with. I am a version of him and that is enough. You can't imagine how much comfort having him here has brought me.

It's true. It does bring comfort, having her here. It does make me want to fight all the harder to get back, to win the war. To save her. So she won't have to go through any suffering.

[Though talking about winning the war feels a bit hollow now, after he's spoken to the other version of himself. The grail corrupt and victory not worth the price... But instead of losing himself in such gloomy thoughts, he focuses on what Diarmuid says and on the present moment.]

I was very happy to see her, and she was happy to see me, too. She remembers me. I'd be glad to tell you more about her. She's a wonderful girl.

[He's pleased by the invitation to enter Diarmuid's room. It makes him feel happier and even a little warm. Even though he doesn't feel that tired, he would like to sit down in Diarmuid's room and talk with him.]

Yes, I'd like to sit, thank you.

I don't really know about Sola-Ui. There's a lot I don't know or don't remember about the war. It was hard to think clearly, then. [He was much worse off then than he is now. Healing has restored his health to what it was before the war began, if not before his training began.] That must be odd. That's a large difference between the worlds.

I met the other Waver. We spoke. In his world, I take it things didn't go so well for me. [He's sad to hear of any version of himself failing, when he knows what's at stake.] I'm glad he helps you so much. You deserve to be at peace. You're a good person. [Although it seems like Diarmuid likes this other Waver more than he likes Kariya, which brings on another pang. Of jealousy? Why would he be jealous? But hasn't Kariya known Diarmuid longer, after all?] I met another version of myself... But we didn't get along very well. [Leave it to him to dislike himself. He wishes he were more surprised.]

Anyway, I'm so glad to see you. I've missed talking to you, very much. It's been too long.

I am very sorry about that.

[Diarmuid leads Kariya into the room and motions for the man to sit near him on his bed.]

It is my fault. I shouldn't let myself get so caught up in things that I forget to check on those I care about. I really hope you can forgive me for that. Honestly, ever since that night in the meadow when I slept in your lap...I have been a little ashamed to see you. I shouldn't have broken down like that....

[He looks away for a moment, trying to hide the light blush of shame that covers his face. He also changes the topic in hopes that talking about Sakura might distract Kariya.]

Tell me all about Sakura. You have waited so long to meet her again. I would focus on that and not worry so much about not liking your alternate self. I have talked to him as well and he is very...different from you. He has been through a great many things you have not and his goals are much different than yours.

I'm afraid I can't really tell you what happened to you in Waver's world. I've asked him about a few details, but he always seems kind of uncomfortable talking about that time around me. Maybe it's because it makes him remember losing me--I mean--his servant? He doesn't really seem to believe it, but I am sure he was able to grant my wish in that world even if we didn't win. If he showed even a fraction of the kindness he has show me here to him, I have no doubt of that.

[He pauses, eyes lighting up with joy.]

Waver made me copies of the swords I had when I was first alive. He spent so much time on them too even though he says it was nothing. I love them so much. Even if they aren't perfectly made, they are still perfect to me.

[Diarmuid suddenly pauses, his eyes widening. He looks back at Kariya, his earlier blush of shame darkening into a blush of embarrassment.]

I'm sorry. I shouldn't keep rambling on about him. I'll stop now.

[Feeling embarrassed for some reason, Kariya sits as Lancer indicates. He's slightly short of breath as he sits beside him, highly conscious of the other man's closeness.]

No, please, don't blame yourself. I know how this place is. You can't be expected to see everyone all the time, even if I have missed you. But it's not that important.

[He says this quickly, slightly flustered and flushing again.]

You should never be ashamed. You have no reason to be. I know what it's like, to break down. No matter what happens, I'll understand.

Oh, Sakura... She's all grown up. She's a young woman now, but she's as sweet and kind as ever. I hope you'll be able to meet her someday. You'll like her, I'm sure. I don't know how anyone couldn't. I just worry about her, when it's so dangerous here. I don't know if I'll be able to do enough to protect her. I wish I could volunteer to be experimented on instead of her, but I've heard that only makes things worse.

[He is distracted by talking about Sakura, but only for so long.]

It isn't like that. I didn't dislike him, exactly. But I disliked his dislike of me, if that makes sense.

[Being dismissed as weak, as a failure, makes him angry. It was like something his family would have done. He doesn't want to be anything like them.

He listens to Diarmuid talk about Waver, but he's only half paying attention, more focused on the fact that this other Waver is the reason Diarmuid hasn't been paying attention to him. The pang of jealousy only worsens, until it feels like someone is squeezing his chest, it feels so tight.]

No, it's fine. [He tries his best not to sound bitter.] I'm glad you've met someone you can feel so close to.

[He doesn't know why he feels this way, both happy and resentful in Diarmuid's presence. It's confusing.]

Lancelot and I are getting along well.

[He throws this fact out suddenly. It's not as if he doesn't have his own Servant. Not that it's the same as being with Diarmuid.]

She sounds like a wonderful young woman. I will look forward to meeting her.

[Diarmuid smiles gently at Kariya. He can see that the man seems a little uneasy, though he's not sure why, and he hopes that the smile will ease Kariya's mind.]

But yes, the worst thing you can do is offer to take someone's place for them because then the administrators know who you care about. They know who they can hurt to press your buttons. The best thing you can probably do is not to ever mention her directly when you talk to the administrators. Don't let them know you have people you love here because you know they will not think twice about hurting those you care about in order to hurt you.

[When Diarmuid hears Kariya mention Lancelot not by his class title, but by name, his grin widens.]

I am so happy to hear that you are getting along. I ran into him while he was looking for you. At first, I was worried for you. I didn't know what him being here might do to your health, but as we talked my worry eased. I had hoped that maybe if you two could talk you would be able to better understand each other and solve some of your differences.

And he can help you take care of Sakura. Surely he would have no issue with that, would he? Since she means so much to you?

[After saying that, Diarmuid pauses. Something really seems to be bothering Kariya from his tone of voice, and Diarmuid can't help but feel that it is somehow his fault the man is upset.]

What have I done?

[His voice is soft and worried.]

You are upset. What have I done? Are you really that angry that I didn't come to see you for so long? You don't have to be afraid of telling me.

I'm sure you'll like her. I'm sure of it.

[He repeats this, distracted by Diarmuid's nearness and his own uncomfortable reaction to it.]

That's what I heard. I didn't realize they were so spiteful, on top of everything else. I wanted to volunteer so that the children wouldn't be hurt anymore. I won't mention Sakura to them. I'd never do anything that could hurt her. Never.

Yes, we don't get along all the time, but it's much better than it was. [It's not like what Diarmuid's relationship with Waver sounds like.] He isn't like he was, before. I have asked him to look after Sakura, if he can. He said that he would.

[At Diarmuid's question, Kariya glances away and shakes his head.]

No, it's nothing. I'm not angry. You have no reason to come and see me, if you're busy. Someone as kind as you... I know you wouldn't do anything to be intentionally hurtful. You're a good person. It's just that I missed you so much--

[His voice all but breaks, so he breaks off. The experience of strong emotion has its usual effect on him, the worms stirring faintly beneath the skin on the left side of his face. He hadn't felt so upset when heading here to see Diarmuid, so he can't imagine why he is now. He simply is.]

[And just that quick, Diarmuid forgets everything else they are talking about and focuses on Kariya. Something really has him upset if the worms are moving that much and so Diarmuid's first priority is to calm him down before they hurt him too much.

He moves from where he was sitting on the bed and kneels in front of Kariya, gently covering the man's hands with his own like he has so many times in the past.]

I'm sorry for upsetting you. Please, take a deep breath and calm down. You are important to me, my dear friend. I shouldn't have let fears caused by the tricks of this place keep me from your side. Please forgive me.

[He bows his head and waits for Kariya to forgive him as he has so many times before.]

[When Diarmuid kneels before him, Kariya really does flush, brightly enough so that the red is visible in his cheeks. The feel of Diarmuid's hands on his is warm, so pleasant. It makes his stomach twist and flutter.

He takes a deep breath, as instructed, but he doesn't feel much calmer.]

It's not that I did something wrong, is it? I know I make mistakes. I always have. I can't be as important to you as this Waver is. I just want you to be happy, that's all.

[Even if it meant he wasn't happy. At least, that's what he's always thought, that the happiness of people he loves should come first.

But that was what had caused his problems, wasn't it? If he'd told Aoi how he felt, if he'd done more...]

I-- I care about you very much.

We all make mistakes, Kariya. You, me, Waver. It's part of being human.

[Diarmuid's voice is soft, though the eyes that meet Kariya's are confident if a little concerned at the same time. He is worried about the flush on the man's face. Might he be getting sick?]

You have never held the mistakes I've made against me. Why would I hold any you make against you? So, please, don't blame yourself. You mean a great deal to me.

[He squeezes the man's hands gently.]

We've been through so much together. We have shown each other parts of ourselves that no one else has ever seen. And even after seeing those dark parts of me...

[Diarmuid drops his gaze, a light flush of shame crossing his face.]

...you don't hate me. I don't know why, but you don't. I will always love you for that.

[He looks back up, smiling again even if the smile is a little strained.]

So don't be upset. Yes, Waver is important to me, but you are as well. There is room in my heart for both of you.

I know. Sometimes I feel I make the most mistakes. I've made so many. It's kind of you to overlook them. Most people wouldn't.

[His stomach flutters again as Diarmuid squeezes his hands. Diarmuid's voice sounds so sweet. He remembers the time Diarmuid sang for him. He'd like to hear him sing again, or even just to hear him keep talking. He hasn't felt this way since--since he and Aoi were last together, before things had changed. He hadn't thought he would feel this way about anyone else.]

No, your mistakes aren't--you weren't to blame for the things that happened to you. I don't care what darkness you have inside you. It doesn't matter to me. There are ugly parts of me, too. I'm not a good person. I'm even less of a good person than I used to be.

I could never hate you, Diarmuid. I--

[He's conscious of the quick beating of his heart when Diarmuid smiles at him, and he can't help but blurt his next words:]

I love you, too.

[He's never said that to anyone before. Not like this.]

[Diarmuid's smile becomes more real and there is a gentle adoration in his eyes. It's funny. This place is such a horrid one full of pain and suffering. Yet, despite that the bonds of friends and family only grow stronger.

And that is how Diarmuid interprets Kariya's confession of love. He is quite used to those he fights with speaking in such a way. The Fianna had been as close as brothers, after all. Knights and warriors all through time have always been close in that manner. Their bonds sometimes even stronger than the bonds of blood.]

This place tries so hard to defeat us, but it only makes us grow stronger and more determined to protect those we care about. We might not always be successful, but we try and we learn so that next time we can succeed.

Lets stop talking about silly things like who made what mistake when. Instead, lets just vow to do better. I promise, I will not leave your side for such a long time again.

[Kariya feels warmer still, blushing, his pulse tripping, quick and unsteady. Diarmuid hasn't rejected him, and that's good. It's always been hard for him to believe that someone might have feelings for him. It's even more difficult after his training has made him what he is now. He knows what he looks like, hideous compared to Diarmuid. He's self-conscious about it, but his appearance doesn't seem to matter to Diarmuid, another thing he loves about him.]

It's true. In spite of everything, we keep going. We're stronger than this tower. I know that. We're going to succeed, no matter what.

[He nods.]

All right. I'll do better. I won't talk about that anymore. I'm so glad to see you, and that's what matters most. I shouldn't ruin it with that kind of talk. I'm glad you feel the same way. I won't leave you alone, either. You can always count on me to be here for you.

[He leans forward suddenly, to brush his lips against Diarmuid's forehead. He's never been so forward, though he's often dreamed of doing something like this with Aoi, letting her know how he feels. Yet Aoi feels so far away now, and Diarmuid is warm and close.]

[Diarmuid's smile widens at Kariya's kind gesture. It reminds him of how his father had often greeted him as a child. However, his smile fades slightly as he continues noticing things that seem off about Kariya. His face is too bright. His heart is beating too loudly to Diarmuid's sensitive ears. And on top of that, he can feel how quick it's pulsing through the man's thin hands.]

My friend, are you sure you are well?

[Kariya had seemed well enough when he arrived. Why did he seem so sick now?]

Maybe you should lay down. I wouldn't mind letting you use my bed if you need to rest. Or I could carry you to one of your healers. It would be no trouble at all.

[Kariya can't resist brushing his lips against Diarmuid's forehead again, then kisses the top of his head. Diarmuid's hair is so thick and soft... When he draws back, he studies Diarmuid's face. He has such a beautiful face. He is one of the most handsome men Kariya has ever seen.

Kariya has never been handsome himself, and now... He knows what he looks like now. Nothing close to handsome. But he doesn't envy Diarmuid his looks. He feels glad enough that he's able to be near him, to watch him like this. He doesn't want it to end. He smiles. He feels warm all over. He hadn't realized he felt this way about Diarmuid, but somehow, now that he's realized it, it feels right. Usually he's not attracted to men, but Diarmuid is someone different. Special.]

I'm all right. I don't need to see a healer yet, but... I wouldn't mind lying down. Will you stay with me?

[Not that the thought of Diarmuid carrying him doesn't appeal to him, but he'd rather stay here and be alone with him.]

[Diarmuid smiles at Kariya's gentleness. Even after all he's suffered and the pain he is in so often, somehow he still manages to keep that part of himself. Honestly, that really impresses Diarmuid especially with all the trouble Diarmuid has had himself keeping the gentle parts of himself.]

Of course, I will stay with you. Would...would you like me to sing for you? It's been a while. I know I'm not that good...

[He lets his voice trail off and stands, carefully putting an arm around Kariya to help him settle onto the bed.]

Rest as long as you would like. I don't have any plans that can't wait. You are my friend. I will always be here for you.

Thank you. And I'd like that. You have a beautiful voice. Last time, I wasn't thinking clearly. I'd like to hear you again, now that things are normal.

[As Diarmuid puts an arm around him to help him lie down, Kariya, who is feeling good today, if now over-warm, leans up to kiss Diarmuid's cheek. Almost, he leans forward further to kiss his mouth, but he loses his nerve and hesitates. He flushes, then lets out a breath as the worms react to the new tension in him, stirring beneath his skin. But he ignores the pain. He's used to it. It's more important for him to be here with Diarmuid, to stay close to him.]

You're always so kind to me. That's one thing I've missed.

[Diarmuid looks after him. Just like Aoi used to, when they were younger.]

[Diarmuid smiles at the kiss, helping Kariya settle onto the bed. Honestly if it had been anyone else, it might have bothered him, but he and Kariya have been through so much together that it just seems natural somehow. Once the man is settled, Diarmuid sits next to him. The worms are excited, he can tell and he wishes he knew how to calm them. Unconsciously, his fingers lightly stroke the scarred side of Kariya's face. Might the touch help calm them just as touch has done so much to calm Diarmuid lately?]

I am sorry to have deprived you of my kindness since I know that you, like I, don't get enough of it. Please forgive me. I don't know if my voice will sound any different now than it did then, but I will be glad to sing for you. I remember that you enjoyed it even if...

[He trails off remembering that neither of the times he has previously sung for Kariya were good times and mentioning them too directly will probably only upset Kariya. Since that is the last thing Diarmuid wants to do, he changes topics instead.]

Is there a specific kind of song you would like to hear?

[Kariya parts his lips, then licks them. The touch on the scarred side of his face feels strange. He's only used to healers touching him there. Parts of that side of his face are deadened, and other parts especially sensitive. Diarmuid's caress strikes both. Kariya can't help but turn his head so his lips brush Diarmuid's fingers. Diarmuid isn't repulsed by the way he looks. Diarmuid's his friend, he knows, but what he's feeling now is something other than friendship. How could he have failed to realize it before? He loves Diarmuid. Even knowing what he does of Diarmuid's curse, he doesn't for an instant consider it might be an issue for him, or even consider it at all.

The worms don't calm at the touch, of course, but it doesn't seem to excite them further, even as Kariya swallows and licks his lips again.]

I forgive you. I'll always forgive you. I'm just glad we're together again now.

[He says the words passionately, a declaration, even though he's still too hesitant to say what he means. (He should be braver. He reminds himself of what happened because he didn't tell Aoi.) He doesn't even mind Diarmuid's reference to less than happy times, too caught up in what he's feeling.]

I don't know... maybe a happy song. [He thinks.] A love song. I'd like to hear something like that.

[His heart beats faster at the thought of Diarmuid singing him a love song.]

All right. A love song it is.

[Diarmuid is a little thrown by how strong Kariya's words are, but he doesn't think that much of it. After all, he knows well just how passionate the man is about those things he cares about, and Diarmuid knows that includes him. Even with all that the tower has done to them, they are still friends and always will be.

The room is quiet for several moments as Diarmuid thinks about what song to sing. Once he's decided, his voice fills the room. At times it is strong and confident filling the air with joy, and at others is it sorrowful and fearful as he recounts the tale of a man who is sent off on a journey to make his name before he will be allowed to marry the woman he loves. He completes the great deeds asked of him, but when he returns his face and body have been scarred terribly. He fears that his love will reject him because he is no longer the handsome man he once was.

The song ends happily, though, with the woman accepting him, openly defying her father who wished her to do the very thing the man had feared she would. The father is killed when he attempts to kill the man and the man and his now wife go on to live happily.

If he is not completely lost in the emotions of the song, Kariya will notice that Diarmuid continues to unconsciously stroke his face he sings.]

[It's all too easy for Kariya to become caught up in the song, but at the same time, it's difficult for him to ignore Diarmuid's continuous caresses.

It's a beautiful song, and he can't help but lie still, listening, wishing this would never have to stop, neither the singing nor the light, understanding touch on his (hideous, disfigured) face.

It seems so fitting that Diarmuid sings about a scarred man, even as he touches Kariya's own scars. Is that what the song means? That Diarmuid will accept him even if he's as marred and ruined as he is?]

Please don't stop.

[He's not sure if he means the singing or the touching, but he probably means both. He turns his head to brush Diarmuid's hand with his lips again. In this moment, he feels he would do anything Diarmuid asked of him, just for the pleasure of being able to do something for him, anything.]

Of course, my friend, of course. I am glad this small thing can bring you so much joy.

[Diarmuid still doesn't understand why people find such comfort in his singing. He's really not very good. He and Kariya have talked about this. His voice is nothing compared to that of his father and Oisin. Still, it's obvious even as rough as his voice might be, Kariya finds pleasure in it.

His hand moves up to smooth back some of Kariya's hair while he decides on the next song. Finally, he starts singing. This song is isn't as adventurous as the previous one, though it is no less beautiful. It tells the story of a couple as they move through their lives from youth to old age. Diarmuid's voice paints a beautiful picture of the places they visit, the events they experience and emotions they feel.

Honestly, as much as he hates the sound of has own voice, this is comforting. Sitting here, singing, making someone who is usually so sad, happy. It's one of those moments Diarmuid lives for.]

It's not a small thing. I could listen to you sing all day. It sounds so beautiful.

[Kariya says this and means this. He's never been much of a singer himself, and now his voice, unlike Diarmuid's, is a real ruin. The worms have made a wreck of his throat and voice.

It's another love story, and it makes him feel even warmer. In a way, it hurts, to feel this way. His throat isn't the only part of his body the worms have made a wreck of. He can't respond to desire the way he may have, once. He can only lie here and feel warm and yearn. Maybe Diarmuid could truly care about him, even as he is now. After all, he's sitting here with him, touching his face and singing him love songs. It's difficult not to think that he might...]

You could lie down with me.

[Maybe it's too bold a question, but Diarmuid's touch and Diarmuid's sweet songs have made him feel bolder.]

I am just glad I can make you happy after the world has been so cruel to you. I know I have said it before, but I really mean it. If fills me with so much joy every time I can ease your pain even for just a little bit.

[Diarmuid strokes Kariya's hair for a moment longer before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on the man's forehead.]

I would not mind resting a little...

[Though, it would feel odd. The only person he is used to resting near anymore is his brother and...

No, he doesn't want to think about that emotional mess right now. The last thing he wants is for Kariya to see him upset.]

...and it is not like we haven't rested together before. The tower has seen to that. However, I won't be able to sing if I am laying down and you so seem to be enjoying that. Are you sure you want me to stop?

"Love Fool" Player Plot Log

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