week two | mingle

[showhost]

Welcome to week two, Teens Who Are Definitely Searching for Love!

Hopefully everyone got a lot of rest over the weekend, and are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the upcoming week, because there are a few things of interest this week.

But first, some changes of note in the house!

First: there is a giant rectangular box on the living room table, addressed to Lessing. It is a care package. The only thing in it is his sword.

There is some Bauernbrot bread on the counter. Ask Lessing about that too.

There is now a hot tub near the pool. It’s large enough to seat about six teens comfortably, but you can get more in there if you really try for some reason.

Okay I think that’s everything. Additionally, Tsukasa is here early this week! He’s looking pretty perky, seemingly recovered from the Match Ceremony, and he’s got some interesting info to share with everyone.

Embrace Space | Property Damage, etc | Dates | Mini-Event
Truth Booth Voting | Match Ceremony Submissions

Comments

[willandaway]

. . . it's okay.

[a small smile, but it fades quickly. it isn't hard for him to talk about it, but. . . it still isn't a pleasant memory]

My village was burned down when I was very little. My parents. . . they died in the fire.

[titlecard]

[ He sucks in a breath. ]

I'm sorry. I... That really, really sucks.

[ Understatement?? Understatement. It feels awkward to say this now, but he should at least follow up. ]

We... definitely didn't have similar childhoods, then. I was, uh. Raised by my parents. So...

[ ... ]

We should maybe... try something else?

[ On the scavenger list items, but really he just feels bad now. ]

[willandaway]

. . . we might be able to salvage it.

[Mark may feel awkward, but Will moves on like nothing weird happened]

Did you have a best friend growing up?

[titlecard]

[ Mark hesitates, but if Will is okay then who is he to object? He doesn't need to be even more awkward.

So he perks up instead. ]

Yeah! His name's William. [ Mark looks around for the nearest camera and waves into it. Hi William. ] He'll totally be watching this whenever it airs. We've known each other ever since we were kids, and we've always had each other's backs.

[ Okay, that's a little easier now. He's more relaxed. ]

How about you? What's your best friend like?

[ Since Will asked, so he assumes— ]

[willandaway]

[heh. Will. William]

[but! this is something they have in common, right? a similar childhood! the way Will lights up at the mention of his friend is palatable]

He's great. . .! He's the most wonderful person I know. He's thoughtful and kind and so full of hope.

[his visions for the future of their country has become Will's vision, though. . . he doesn't say that aloud. he cannot allude to the fact that his bestie is the heir to the throne bac home. the seemingly deceased prince]

. . . when my village burned down, he was there to help me. To. . . be there for me, when things were so bleak. I can never repay him enough for that kindness.

[titlecard]

[ the wills...

Will lighting up just makes Mark light up, even before he's gotten more than two words out. It's just! Nice! When people are happy!

His smile softens as Will elaborates, though. ]

I think maybe being his friend is enough. [ Since that's how Mark feels about William. William is just a normal guy, and Mark is the superhero, but just knowing he has a friend there for him makes things so much easier.

And, not at all thinking there might be a reason Will hasn't clarified: ] What's his name?

1/2

[willandaway]

[still bright, still happy, absolutely radiating adoration]

His name is--

[and as soon as Will drops the name. . .]

2/2

[aspirings]

[requested drive-by Tsukasa who is probably like, chatting with the crew or something while they work on something in the house and thus

At exactly the same time there's just--]

Ha ha ha, excellent!

[titlecard]

[ Mark is all prepared to nod along to Will's answer, yeah, that's cool—

does a double-take as Tsukasa walks by.

... okay. Back to Will, then. ]

Well, I think you're repaying him with your friendship, still. So that's plenty.

[ god. this nerd is so sincere in that sentiment too. ]

[willandaway]

[also glances at Tsukasa as he walks by. hello??]

[THEN BACK TO MARK. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP CAL]

. . . it doesn't feel like it's plenty. But I am trying.

[he's doing a lot more than just being his friend, too. . . but that is a long story for another day. and he can't-- he just can't-- talk about how his friend is the crown prince, the heir to the throne, in front of these cameras]

I hope to reunite with him one day.

[titlecard]

[ Look... he's going to try to put a friendly, supportive hand on Will's shoulder if he's allowed. ]

Maybe it doesn't feel like a lot, but knowing you've got someone in your corner? Trust me, it's a lot.

[ And Mark could ask about what Will means, reuniting with his friend one day. But he kind of gets the sense that the details aren't all that important for him, specifically; what's he supposed to do about it? The only meaningful thing he can do is empathize, so: ]

I'm sure you will. I mean, after all this, right? You'll totally be back with him.

[willandaway]

[he is allowed, even though Will looks a bit surprised by it. but the surprise fades quickly, and he lifts a hand to pat Mark's on his shoulder, thoroughly appreciative]

Ah. . . well.

[. . .]

[not the full story. he can't give the full story. people are watching-- people like Louis. and Louis cannot know the prince is still alive, or that the prince is even the friend Will is talking about]

It won't be that easy. I'm on a journey, and he is. . . at home.

[titlecard]

Oh... I kinda get that too, actually. My friend, William? He, uh, he's more of a homebody than I am.

[ re: he has no superpowers and thus he's a normal person who stays at home instead of flying off into danger every now and then. ]

Maybe it's not the same as what you're going through with your friend, but I think the concept still applies? Even when you're apart, just knowing you have someone is big... and you can always go back home.

[ surely!! ]

[willandaway]

[. . . it's a nice sentiment. you can always go back home. Will wishes it were true]

[but he doesn't say that aloud, instead pulling up another smile for Mark. despite that brief, bittersweet thought, it has been nice to talk about someone he cares for so, so much]

[and. . . it's nice to think. . . about how things might be, when everything comes to an end]

When my journey is over, I definitely intend to see him again.

[to. . . watch and smile, as he ascends to his rightful place on the throne]

So even if we're apart, I know that we won't be forever.